Evaluation of Biogeochemical Changes in Channelized and Restored Portions of a Subtropical Floodplain

Floodplains are critically important ecosystems that provide a whole suite of ecosystem services, including nutrient and carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, water storage, critical wildlife habitat. However, human modification rivers floodplains through channelization, artificial levee construction, reductions in the active floodplain area, management can significantly reduce function river–floodplain systems. In this study, we evaluated changes loading Kissimmee River during restoration system. addition to time-series analysis, also soil concentrations across lower portion floodplain. During 44-year time-series, remained exporter with generally corresponding both quality (i.e., point source reductions) hydrologic activities watershed study period, inputs total phosphorus nitrogen loads from upstream either increased or same. external sources nutrients, internal nutrients soils contribute export These could be organic via decomposition matter geologic original excavation canal and/or backfilling. Soil vary between vegetative communities landscape position significant downstream system, which is plagued by eutrophic conditions. Therefore, as continues restored managed, additional effort may needed address legacy nutrients.