Abstract
Eutrophication is an ongoing issue for waters around the globe. These excess nutrients supplied by point and non-point source pollution can fuel harmful algal blooms (HABs). Agricultural runoff in particular, has been identified as one of the main contributors to eutrophication. Wetlaculture is a proposed solution, focusing on the utilization of wetland functions for nutrient retention, then ‘flipping’ the system to crop production. This study is the second attempt at assessing the agricultural capabilities of the Buckeye Lake, Ohio Wetlaculture mesocosms and the quality of these wetlands one year post agricultural phase. Nirvana F1, a bicolor sweet corn variant, was selected as the designated crop for 2021 production on four years of sequestered nutrients. Eight mesocosms were selected for 2021 crop production. The eight mesocosms selected in 2020 were reverted to their respective hydraulic treatments assessed via water quality and floristic quality analysis utilizing the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s floristic quality index. Recovering mesocosms were then compared to the remaining established five-year wetland mesocosms. Pre-planting soil analyses and visual cues revealed macronutrient concentrations were insufficient to produce crop yields associated with the utilization of fertilizer. Production difficulties relating to pollination and uneven emergence would likely be resolved at a larger scale. Overall floristic quality scores of recovering wetlands resembled five year established wetlands, indicating recovery from agricultural disturbance. Supplementation of additional biodiversity indices, percent cover, or distribution of coefficient of conservatism may be needed depending on restoration goals. Once reverted to their respective hydraulic treatments, nutrient removal efficiencies of recovering wetlands resembled five-year established wetlands. Wetlaculture holds promise as an approach to crop production and nutrient management, particularly in a climate-change impacted world.
