Abstract
Oligotrophic wetlands of the Everglades are often the final recipients of nutrients from adjacent ecosystems and tend to accumulate phosphorus (P) in their soils. Understanding P source and sink dynamics in wetlands is critical for managing wetland ecosystems and protecting downstream resources. This study evaluated the soil P storage capacity (SPSC) of the mineral components within two treatment flow-ways of the Everglades Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs). We hypothesized that SPSC will vary between flow-ways, with soil depth, and spatially along the inflow-to-outflow gradient. The P storage capacity in the STAs depends on the proportion of iron, aluminum, calcium, and magnesium (Fe, Al, Ca, and Mg, respectively) to P. We determined floc and recently accreted soils (RAS) are associated more with Ca and Mg and pre-STA soils are associated more with Fe and Al. Phosphorus loss, as indicated from SPSC values would vary between systems and soil depths suggesting a variable condition of P sink and source within and along flow-ways. This result, while limited, demonstrates the applicability of SPSC to wetlands systems and provides information that will aid operational or management decisions associated with improving P retention of the Everglades STAs.