Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7647-4150

Advisor

Davis, John B.

Committee Member

Baker, Beth H.

Committee Member

Correa, Sandra B.

Date of Degree

12-12-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

Abstract

Wetlands in agricultural landscapes play a critical role in improving water quality by retaining and transforming nutrients and pollutants. In the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV), widespread conversion of bottomland hardwood forests to row-crop agriculture has diminished this natural function. The Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) program restores wetlands on marginal farmland to recover ecosystem services. In this study, I evaluated water quality and algal productivity in WREs compared to natural reference wetlands and crop sites. Restored wetlands showed improved water quality compared to crop sites and were often comparable to or intermediate between reference wetlands. Seasonal variation and hydrologic differences shaped patterns across sites. Algal concentrations were driven by total nitrogen. While results showed WRE functions did not fully replicate reference conditions, they demonstrated enhanced biogeochemical function and supported moderate algal productivity. These findings highlight the potential for restored wetlands to improve water quality and ecological function in working landscapes.

Sponsorship (Optional)

NR213A750009C001

Download

Share

COinS