Water Turbidity in Tilled and Untilled Prairie Wetlands

Abstract

ABSTRACT Water turbidity was compared between 54 tilled prairie pothole wetlands, 12 partially tilled wetlands and 52 untilled wetlands in South Dakota. Specific differences in sedimentation as measured by turbidity were indicated. Turbidity was significantly higher in tilled than in partially or untilled wetlands (P< 0.01). Average turbidity was 24 times greater in tilled than in untilled wetlands. There was no significant difference in turbidity between partially tilled and untilled wetlands. Turbidity measurement may be a useful tool for estimating relative sedimentation rates. Current sedimentation rates of tilled wetlands may cause them to be filled in a relatively short period of time.