Ecological Investigation of a Greentree Reservoir in the Delta National Forest, Mississippi.
Abstract
A greentree reservoir under continuous dormant season flooding for 18 years was compared with an adjacent reference area to determine the effects of this type of flooding management on the plant community, soils, and bird populations of the area. Continuous greentree management over 18 years appeared to cause a predictable shift to more water-tolerant plant communities in the woody and herbaceous understory strata of the greentree reservoir. Because the design of the greentree reservoir resulted in slower drainage of water ponded on the reservoir by rain or backwater flooding during the growing season, neither dormant season flooding, growing season flooding, nor the interaction of both was identified as the sole cause of the community shift. Soils were very similar on both sites. Winter flooding of the greentree reservoir made it more attractive than the reference area to common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula) and highly attractive to waterfowl, but less attractive to the white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), a ground dweller. For other bird species, however, greentree reservoir management appeared to have little effect on species richness or mean population sizes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA120408
Entities
People
- Charles J. Newling