Biotic and Hydrologic Variables in Prairie Potholes in North Dakota

Abstract

Prairie potholes or sloughs are depressions of glacial origin that occur north of the Missouri River in the prairie region of the United States and Canada. Potholes provide valuable wetland habitat for migratory water-fowl and are widely used for stock-water supplies. Differences in climate, geology, topography, ground-water hydrology, and land use create wide variations in pothole hydrology. Plants in and adjacent to potholes are useful indicators of water permanence, depth, and salinity-variables that are important in wetland management.