Hydroperiods of created and natural vernal pools in central Ohio: A comparison of depth and duration of inundation

Abstract

Water levels were recorded weekly from six natural vernal pools and 10 created vernal pools at two forested wetland complexes in central Ohio. Vernal pool median water depth and duration of inundation were significantly greater at the created vernal pools than at the natural vernal pools (α = 0.05, P < 0.05). The average period of inundation for created pools was 309 ± 32 days, compared with 250 ± 16 days for natural pools. The created pools produced a range of inundation times, from 163 to 365 days in length, with three pools permanently inundated. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.