Conclusions
- Similar groundwater and surface water levels before the flood explain the overall similar hydraulic response
- The thicker summer vegetation and better methods to contain water in the experimental floodplain were likely causes of the floodplain reaching maximum storage capacity sooner.
- The observed "first flush" was likely due to former use of the floodplain by cattle. This first flush released nutrients from the soil into the stream water.
- Water flowing rapidly through the quick path had less nutrients being absorbed over time; less residence time.
- Storage zones have a higher areal uptake and uptake velocity than quick flow.
- Two more seasonal floods will be conducted.