Chemical sedimentation as a driver of habitat diversity in dryland wetlands

Freshwater wetlands located in dryland environments are characterised by high evapotranspiration rates and frequent periods of desiccation, which strongly influence the water chemistry solute budgets these systems. The transpiration groundwater, especially trees, is an important mechanism through can lose water. This process lead to groundwater salinization precipitation substantial quantities minerals within soil, accumulation have profound consequences for wetland structure function. paper aims bring together current knowledge on processes that result chemical sedimentation assist maintaining freshwater conditions many seasonal wetlands. Examples from central southern Africa, Australia South America presented illustrate geomorphically diverse settings under occur, importance resilience longevity We show localised development saline subsurface soils play a key role creating habitat diversity Wetland vegetation localises deleterious constituents, thereby preventing widespread playa-lake formation, thus ensuring bulk surface remains fresh. Although such remain widely understudied, we suggest could be common phenomenon implications future management ecosystems.