Plants as indicators of wetland water source

摘要: At the local scale, plant species distribution is determined primarily by environmental characteristics of a site. In wetland, water chemistry and hydroperiod are two most important these characteristics. Both functions source. central Pennsylvania, groundwater input tends to be continuous, while surface may permanent or seasonal. The differs since influenced substrate through which it flows. Because differences, because their effects on distribution, possible use vegetation as an indicator dominant source Plots within 28 wetlands in Pennsylvania were sampled, plots classified three hydrologic categories groundwater, seasonal water, water. core study was analysis half identify that associated with particular Several groups identified. Some species, including Nyssa sylvatica, strongly presence groundwater. Others, such Symplocarpus foetidus, aquatic remainder used test predictive ability wetland plot predicted its category 72% accuracy. identification more could lead development useful tool for research management, monitoring hydrology often both expensive time-consuming.