ABSTRACT
Biogeochemical cycles of wetland forests are among the most complex and difficult to study of those associated with any forest ecosystem type. Numerous biogeochemical interactions occur at the interface of terrestrial and aquatic systems. Much of the complexity inherent to biogeochemical processes in forested wet-lands stems from hydrologie linkages with associated streams and uplands. This chapter explores the direct and indirect influences of hydrology on nutrient processing within floodplain systems. The import-export dynamics of southern forested wetlands have frequently been examined from the perspective of elucidating their nutrient retention and transformation functions. Nutrient retention and transformation are two important biogeochemical functions that floodplain forests perform, providing value to society by improving water quality. Decomposition rates and/or masses of steady state forest floors differ among micro-sites within forested floodplains. Spatial variability may be extremely important in controlling soil chemistry and biogeochemical cycling in floodplain forests.
