156-13 Influence of Depositional Patterns of Dredged Material on Soil Properties of a Restored Coastal Louisiana Salt Marsh.



Monday, October 17, 2011
Henry Gonzalez Convention Center, Hall C, Street Level

Manoch Kongchum, 104 M.B. Sturgis Hall, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, Michael Materne, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, G. Bruce Williamson, Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA and Lucas Bissett, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Soil physical, chemical and bio-geochemical properties of a restored coastal marsh were monitored and analyzed from 2005 to 2009. Total area of 109 ha reconstructed marsh located at Port Fourchon, Louisiana, was divided into five habitats based on elevation. The habitats were classified as high (knoll), flat (swale), upper intertidal, intertidal, and water. The higher habitats were located where the dredged materials were deposited. The composition of dredged material at the highest elevation was mainly sand and shells. Higher clay and silt content were found in the habitats located with distance from the dredge source. Macronutrient and micronutrient were relatively low in all habitats except for Na and Ca. All elements were statistically significant difference among habitats except for NO3-N and NH4-N.  The depth of 0-15 and 15-30 cm had no influence on elemental content. Soil redox potential was significant difference among habitats. Higher elevations had higher redox potential values. Marsh vegetation was greatest at the highest elevation.
See more from this Division: S10 Wetland Soils
See more from this Session: General Wetland Soils: II (Includes Graduate Student Competition)