Salt Plains NWR Just 4 Kids Moist-Soil Mgmt

Moist-Soil Management

Moist-soil management is a technique that targets wetlands and their unique cycles of flooding and draining to support wildlife.

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Wetland areas have a variety of plants - some along the edges, some in the water, rooted to the soil and some that float in the water. - FWS Photo

E. Bluebird with moth
- FWS Photo

Over 60% of the nation's wetlands have been degraded and lost as a result of agricultural (habitat converted to farmland) and urban developments. Although the landscape includes many lakes, man-made lakes have decreased wetlands because the increased depth cannot support semi-aquatic submergent vegetation; necessary as shelter and food for wildlife. The lakes do not provide the same habitat opportunities for wildlife as wetlands do.

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Wetlands support a diversity of plants and animals. These natural systems are considered some of the most diverse, dynamic and complex habitats on the planet.

American Lotus is a common aquatic plant on the surface of wetlands.

Wetlands also act as a filter to increase water quality for humans. They are in low lying areas, generally with a high water table; as the water seeps into the ground, the soil and rocks filter out impurities. Wetlands replenish the aquifers below them with clean water. The decrease in wetlands has contributed to the loss of water volume in underground aquifers.

Bald Eagle - FWS Photo

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Moist-soil management on the marshes allows plants to grow and seed at optimum levels for waterfowl use. This kind of mgmt requires calculated flooding and draining of the wetlands throughout the year.

Duckweed is another common aquatic plant seen on the surface of marshes.

This imitates the natural rain cycle in a wetland to dry out while important seeds establish and then to fill for waterfowl habitat use.Common summer inhabitants of the wetlands include Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, Tri-colored Herons, Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets, White-faced Ibis and others.

Loggerhead Shrike - FWS Photo

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During the winter, migrating ducks such as Mallards, Teal, Shovelers and others use the wetland areas for the abundant food, cover and protection from predators.

Migrating waterfowl need wetlands, in addition to crop lands, to fulfill their dietary requirements. The invertebrates in the wetland are crutial to providing essential nutrients for breeding.

Cattails are often seen around wetland edges.

Monarch Butterfly - FWS Photo

Want to Learn More about Wetlands?
What is a wetland?
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Status & Trends
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As more wetlands are recovered across the nation, wildlife will be more abundant and problems such as flooding should be minimized. Recovering our wetlands has only recently been recognized as a necessity. The long-term benefits to these natural ecosystems will be for a healthier planet and increased wildlife habitat.

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