Inundation patterns and plant growth in constructed wetland characterized by dynamic water budget model

Inundation patterns and plant establishment were observed in a riparian wetland mitigation project following predictions made by a dynamic water budget model. The model combined field measurements of hydrologic variables, historical weather observations, and digital elevation data in a geographic information system. It identified one excavation among four candidates as most likely to thrive in a harsh environment with periodic drought and extreme water level fluctuations. Observed, pulsing inundation patterns are consistent with predictions made by the model. Numerous native species, many found on site, were planted in the excavation; more than half of them survived a year-long period of observation with months of no standing water. The most successful species were graminoids (especially Cyperus acuminatus), a forb (Eclipta prostrata), and herbs (especially Hibiscus laevis and Polygonum densiflorum) capable of extracting soil moisture during prolonged dry spells.