Controls on patterns of coarse organic particle retention in headwater streams

E. N. Jack Brookshire; Kathleen A. Dwire

doi:10.2307/1467975

Treesearch

Controls on patterns of coarse organic particle retention in headwater streams

Formally Refereed

Authors:

E. N. Jack Brookshire, Kathleen A. Dwire

Year:

2003

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2307/1467975

Source:

Journal of the North American Benthological Society. 22(1): 17-34.

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Abstract

Organic matter retention is an integral ecosystem process affecting C and nutrient dynamics and biota in streams. Influences of discharge (Q), reach-scale channel form, and riparian vegetation on coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) retention were analyzed in 2 headwater streams in northeastern Oregon. Ginkgo biloba leaves were released in coniferous forest reaches and downstream floodplain meadow reaches during spring high flow and summer baseflow. Transitional reaches were also analyzed during summer baseflow. Paper strips, simulating sedge blade retention, were released in meadow reaches during high flow. Mean transport distances (S,) were calculated as the inverse of the longitudinal loss rate (k) of leaves in transport.

Keywords

coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM), retention, stream ecology, seasonal flooding, spatial variability, meadows, forests

Citation

Brookshire, E. N. Jack; Dwire, Kathleen A. 2003. Controls on patterns of coarse organic particle retention in headwater streams. Journal of the North American Benthological Society. 22(1): 17-34.