Water-stained leaves: formation and application as a field indicator of wetland hydrology

Abstract Wetland delineations conducted in the United States utilize field indicators as proxy measures of presence or absence wetland hydrology. Water-stained leaves provide a practical, qualitative indicator hydrology; however, formation water-stained has not been elucidated. In response, from six tree species were examined under five treatments to investigate water-staining process and concomitant timeframes. Results indicate that leaf staining occurred within 14-21 days continuous exposure waters sediment both laboratory conditions. Leaf was characterized by readily observable shifts color (i.e., decreasing Munsell hue, value, chroma) causing appear very dark black. No associated with exposed upland The timeframe corresponds established hydrology criteria requiring minimum hydroperiod 14 consecutive soil saturation, flooding, ponding. Leaves underwent significantly faster greater extent than inundated deionized water, likely result increased microbial abundance anaerobic conditions simulated treatments. suggest 1) are useful reliable for delineation purposes, 2) may measure hydroperiod, 3) measurements can help differentiate between