Drainage enhancement effects on a waterlogged Rhode Island (USA) salt marsh

摘要: Abstract Drainage enhancement (e.g., ditch digging, open-marsh water management, runnelling) has long been used to reduce tidal marsh soil waterlogging and surface ponding promote salt hay production mosquito control. Now it is also being as a tool enhance resilience sea-level rise despite lack of studies that evaluate its effectiveness an intervention approach. We therefore conducted controlled field experiment short-term responses drainage Rhode Island (USA) marsh. elicited rapid physical changes in portions the including declines levels elevation, but biological components examined vegetation bird community composition) were largely unaffected. In two four areas monitored, inundation duration declined from >75% 3–10% low dropped by 20 cm. Mean annual elevation monitoring plots increased 5 mm one year after 11 mm below initial conditions three years. The decline varied among habitats, with greatest (18 mm) found dominated Spartina alterniflora and/or bare ground. Vegetation composition % cover heights dominant species unchanged, initially had fully revegetated no effects on or sparrow (Ammodramus spp.) density. Our study provides evidence can relieve some impacts without any apparent adverse abundance existing communities. At same time, induce loss platform potential offset declining inhibit high enhancement. Finally, unanticipated findings our provide larger-scale drivers such may predominate over localized itself.