Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) infiltrate waterways through fertilizer application, urban stormwater runoff, and sewer infrastructure leaks. As surrounding waterbodies experience increased DIN and DIP inputs, wetlands can experience corresponding nutrient enrichment. Vegetation uses DIN and DIP for structural growth, color, and seed production. Changes in DIN and DIP availability can influence species distribution due to differences in photosynthetic rates, root morphology and structure, and tissue type.
DIP and DIN inputs are projected to increase 15-30% and 30-60% in the next fifty years¹. It is of interest to examine plant growth characteristics within this nutrient enrichment projection as well as nutrient enrichment from a potential 100-year projection to analyze future species composition responses within a freshwater tidal marsh
