Twelve years of vegetation change in an artificial marsh after the transfer of plants and hydrological restoration

Abstract

For 12 years starting from 1991, we performed vegetation surveys every 2-3 years at permanent plots located in an artificial marsh which was constructed in former rice paddies through sod transplantation from a natural marsh. Management of the artificial marsh was conducted to maintain the condition of the donor vegetation by removing unnecessary plants and ensuring a water supply of constant quality and quantity. However, the structure and floristic composition of the donor vegetation were destroyed during sod transplantation, and eutrophic water was supplied before the construction of a well in year 5. The transition of communities identified in the artificial marsh was monitored periodically at 34 fixed plots established three years after transplantation, with a further two plots added in year 7. Seasonal changes in surface water chemistry were also monitored. While the main communities of the artificial marsh resembled that of the donor marsh, two other communities were also identified at arid or muddy sites, where dominant plants had grown from seeds or propagules. After 12 years, we identified three communities (with one community containing two subunits), the dominance of which changed among the plots over the years. The communities developed along two main gradients, dry to wet and secondary succession. The first gradient was characterized by species groups favoring dry conditions, while the second gradient was characterized by species groups favoring disturbed conditions. The original composition recorded for donor marsh plants was not established by year 12 after transplantation to the artificial marsh. © 2011 The Author(s).