United States Department of Agriculture

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height="0.45069444444444445in"}

**Indiana -- October 2007** (ver. 1.0)

***Shallow Water Development and Management***

  ---------------- ----------- ------------ ------- --------------- ------- ------------ ------- ------------- ----------- ----------- -------
  **Landowner:**               **     **                                                         **County:**   **     **               

  **F****arm:**    **     **   **Tract:**           **Field(s):**           **Acres:**                                     **Date:**        
  ---------------- ----------- ------------ ------- --------------- ------- ------------ ------- ------------- ----------- ----------- -------

+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| # Required S         |                                               |
| tructural Components |                                               |
+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| **[Source of         |                                               |
| w                    |                                               |
| ater]{.underline}:** |                                               |
| (Check if required.  |                                               |
| See engineering      |                                               |
| design for details)  |                                               |
+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Diversion            | Dikes (See engineering design for location)   |
|                      |                                               |
| Pond/reservoir       | Water control structure on tile line, ditch,  |
|                      | or dike                                       |
| Well with pump       |                                               |
|                      | Other source to be developed                  |
| Pump                 |                                               |
|                      | Surface water (seasonal flood events and/or   |
|                      | surface runoff is usually sufficient)         |
+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Management Recommendations**                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| I. [Shallow Water Management]{.underline}                             |
|                                                                       |
| > Target wildlife species:       (required)                           |
| >                                                                     |
| > Slow drawdown starting on or about:                                 |
| >                                                                     |
| > Year 1: **     ** Year 2: **     ** Year 3: **     ** Year 4:       |
| > **     ** Year 5: **     **                                         |
| >                                                                     |
| > Leave drained over summer for moist soil plants to grow.            |
| >                                                                     |
| > Allow shallow water area to gradually refill for migration, start   |
| > refilling on:                                                       |
| >                                                                     |
| > Year 1: **     ** Year 2: **     ** Year 3: **     ** Year 4:       |
| > **     ** Year 5: **     **                                         |
| >                                                                     |
| > Maintain shallow water over winter. Vary water depth from year to   |
| > year.                                                               |
| >                                                                     |
| > Disk at the start of the growing season on:                         |
| >                                                                     |
| > Year 1: **     ** Year 2: **     ** Year 3: **     ** Year 4:       |
| > **     ** Year 5: **     **                                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| [II. Crops Planted f]{.underline}or Waterfowl                         |
|                                                                       |
|   ------                                                              |
| ---------- --------------- -------------- ---------- ---------------- |
|   **Ye                                                                |
| ar**         **Planting      **Crop**       **Rate**   **Fertilizer** |
|                    Date**                                             |
|                                                                       |
|   **                                                                  |
|     ;      ;  May-June        Corn/grain     6-8 lbs/ac 80-100 lbs. N |
|        **                          sorghum                            |
|                                                                       |
|                                                                       |
|  **     ;      ;  June -- early   Millets        20 lbs/ac  30 lbs. N |
|        **          July                                               |
|   ------                                                              |
| ---------- --------------- -------------- ---------- ---------------- |
|                                                                       |
| -   Gradually flood unit, maintaining the active feeding area 4 - 10  |
|     inches deep, as waterfowl migrate through the area in the fall.   |
|                                                                       |
| -   Leave flooded through the winter.                                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| III\. [Crop Residue Managed for Waterfowl]{.underline}                |
|                                                                       |
| > Conventional crops will be grown and harvested in the following     |
| > years with the crop residue left for wildlife. After harvest, flood |
| > the majority of the area 4 to 10 inches deep to coincide with the   |
| > arrival of waterfowl in the fall.                                   |
|                                                                       |
|   ------------------------------ -----------------------------------  |
|   **Year**                       **Crop**                             |
|                                                                       |
|   **     ;      ;      **        **     ;      ;      **              |
|   ------------------------------ -----------------------------------  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

**PURPOSE**

Shallow Water Development and Management on agricultural fields and
moist soil areas can provide open water and vegetated areas for
waterfowl resting and feeding. Proper management can increase and
maintain desirable foods for waterfowl, shorebirds and other wildlife
species.

Shallow water areas are typically flooded during the winter and drained
or dried during the spring or summer to promote the growth of desirable
native food plants, or to plant crops that will benefit wildlife. After
the seed producing plants have matured, and during the fall waterfowl
migration, the area is allowed to flood to a depth of 0 (saturated) to
18 inches of water. The flooded food plants provide excellent resting
and feeding areas for \"dabbling ducks\" such as mallard, shoveler,
pintail, and teal. The optimum feeding depth for these ducks is (four) 4
to 10 inches.

In the spring and late summer, during a slow draw down, shallow water
areas (from mud flats to 4 inches in depth) are especially beneficial
for shorebirds like plovers and sandpipers during their migration
routes.

**WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT**

There are three basic ways to provide quality wildlife foods through
vegetation management:

1.  Promotion of natural moist soil plants,

2.  Planting of crops for wildlife, and

3.  Management of crop residue.

Advantages of moist soil management include:

-   Management costs are normally less

-   A greater diversity of wildlife is attracted

-   Foods with greater nutrient value are provided

-   Management is possible on marginal row crops sites

-   Production is less influenced by weather

Advantages of planting crops include:

-   Total energy production can be higher

-   Does not require as precise of water control

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-   Easier to control undesirable plant species

Each shallow water area may be managed using different methods in
different years. In many cases, altering the type of management can
facilitate maintenance and increase productivity and diversity of the
site.

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**Moist-soil plants**

Natural moist-soil plants include Rice cutgrass *(Leersia oryzoides)*,
nutsedges *(Cyperus spp.)*, spikerushes *(Eleocharis spp.)*, smartweeds
*(Polygonum spp.)*, beggarticks *(Bidens spp.),* and barnyard grass
*(Echinochloa crusgalli)*. These plants can be encouraged, through water
level manipulations, to germinate from existing seeds in the soil and
produce an abundant source of high quality food for waterfowl.

Drawdown (de-watering) of the area is necessary for moist soil plant
production. Slow drawdowns (2-3 weeks) usually are more desirable for
plant establishment and wildlife use. Early drawdowns (first 45 days of
growing season) and midseason drawdowns (at least 90 days before the end
of the growing season) result in the greatest quantity of seeds
produced.

The timing and extent of the drawdown should be varied from year to year
to maintain productivity and a more diverse plant community. See Figure
1 for suggested annual flooding strategies.

Consider the seed species that are likely to exist in the soil when
determining the species of food plants for which you are going to
manage. The species of seeds in the soil, the timing of the drawdown, as
well as the type of drawdown, will determine plant species composition.
See Table 1 for the response of common moist-soil plants to time of
drawdown. In general, early slow drawdowns result in smartweed and
nutsedge species, while midseason drawdowns produce millet and Bidens
species.

**Seed production**

Annual species tend to have the highest seed production. To maintain the
site in early successional species (mostly annuals), and to control
unwanted species, it is best to de-water and disk the site (typically
during mid-summer) every three (3) years.

After the moist soil plants have produced seed in late summer or fall,
re-flood the site slowly to coincide with the arrival of fall migrant
waterfowl. Flooding the site slowly, over an approximate two (2) to
three (3) week period, allows new areas of food to become available each
day as the water is rising.

**Planting waterfowl food plants**

Draw down in late spring and plant species such as buckwheat, grain
sorghum, or corn. Fertilize for good production. See [Upland Wildlife
Habitat Management -Wildlife Food Plot Job
Sheet](http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/biology/Wildlife_Food_Plot.pdf)
for further guidance

(<http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/biology/biology.html>).

Use of herbicides is generally not required since annual weeds produce
useable wildlife food. On some sites, however, some weed species such as
giant ragweed (*Ambrosia* *trifida*) might be a problem and should be
monitored. After the crop has matured in late summer or fall, re-flood
the site slowly to coincide with the arrival of fall migrant waterfowl

**Crop residue**

Utilize crop residue and waste grain after crops are harvested. Re-flood
the site slowly after harvest, to coincide with the arrival of fall
migrants.

**SHOREBIRD MANAGEMENT**

Shorebirds can spend up to nine (9) months of the year on non-breeding
areas, and long-distance migration takes a high energetic toll on these
birds. As a result, managed shallow water areas can be a very important
source of food during their migrations. The spring migration ranges from
about April 1 to mid-June, while the fall migration ranges from early
July through the end of October, depending upon the species.

In general, performing a drawdown in late April will provide habitat
benefiting the greatest number of shorebirds. However, specific drawdown
times are required if a particular shorebird species is targeted.

For example, peak migration for American Golden-Plovers and Pectoral
Sandpipers, two of Indiana\'s most common spring shorebirds, is
typically a few weeks earlier.

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Moist soil units suitable for spring shorebird management require autumn
flooding approximately one month before the first heavy freeze, and
maintenance of flooded conditions to enable chironomids and other
invertebrates to re-populate, as well as to assure survival of larvae
over winter. For fall migrants, the slow re-flooding of shallow-disked
fields in early July, or slow drawdown of a summer-flooded impoundment,
can provide excellent foraging habitat.

The drawdown rate should be approximately one (1) inch drop per week to
maximize shallow water surface area. This will benefit shorebirds like
Plovers, Sandpipers, Yellowlegs, and Dunlins, which feed on mud flats
and very shallow water up to four (4) inches.

Moist soil units may need reconditioning every several years to remove
undesirable vegetation. Reconditioning units through disking, followed
by re-flooding, provides an "invertebrate soup" favored by shorebirds.
The intent of disking is to convert plant biomass to a detrital base
attractive to invertebrates; therefore the type of disking is critical
to shorebird response. Deep disking that completely buries plant
material is less desirable than **shallow** disking that only partially
buries plant biomass.

**MARSHBIRD MANAGEMENT**

Marsh birds, such as rails and bitterns, include some of the most
endangered birds in Indiana as well as in the Midwest. These species can
benefit greatly from proper shallow water management. Rails and bitterns
are often found in moist soil impoundments and typically nest/forage in
herbaceous vegetation such as cattails and sedges.

Key marshbird **habitat** **requirements** include:

1.  Providing water depths ranging from 0 to six (6) inches

2.  Promoting emergent species such as sedges (Carex Spp.), cattails
    (Typha Spp.), bulrushes (*Schoenoplectus* spp.), rushes (*Juncus*
    spp.), and cordgrass (*Spartina* spp.)

3.  Providing a management area interspersed with open water, mudflats,
    and a vegetation-to-water ratio of approximately 50:50

Key marshbird **management** **considerations** include:

1.  Dividing the management area, if possible, into several
    independently-controlled units to allow for biennial drawdowns which
    allow total drawdowns of some units, while maintaining standing
    water in others.

2.  Conducting gradual drawdowns which will encourage the growth of
    diverse stands of emergent vegetation as well as seed-producing
    annuals such as smartweeds (*Polygonum* Spp.)

3.  Fall flooding of robust emergent vegetation attracts migrating
    rails, and also decreases the vigor of perennial species so that
    seed-producing annuals can become established in the spring to
    provide foraging habitat.

Areas with dense stands of emergent vegetation that impede rail movement
should be burned, disked, or mowed to set back succession and should be
re-flooded to stimulate production of invertebrates.

Rails commonly collide with utility wires or towers when flying under
low light conditions and at night during migration. Especially avoid
situations where utilities are located between feeding and roosting or
nesting areas. Consider installing bird deflectors on utility lines
where hazardous conditions cannot be avoided.

**UNDESIRABLE PLANT SPECIES**

A number of plant species can propagate extensively in Indiana to the
point that serious management problems will result if they are not
controlled. These invasive species tend to dominate the areas where they
grow by creating monoculture populations, shading out native species and
reducing native plant diversity. Consequently, waterfowl are negatively
impacted by the reduced cover and diminished food values.

Plants which may need to be controlled include Cocklebur (*Xanthium*
*strumarium*), Reed Canarygrass (*Phalaris* *arundinacea*), Common Reed
(*Phragmites* *australis*), woody vegetation, and all noxious weeds
including Purple Loosestrife (*Lythrum* *salicaria*). Most other
herbaceous plants that volunteer will be readily utilized by waterfowl.

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height="2.676388888888889in"}

**Reed canarygrass**

Reed canarygrass is sufficiently abundant and widespread that managers
should anticipate most projects will be infested with this weed. Reed
canarygrass is rarely fully eradicated and yearly, or even monthly,
attention to the control of this weed may be necessary.

Herbicide treatment can be part of an effective management control plan.
Note, however, that many products are not registered for use in aquatic
habitats, and that many are nonselective and should be applied only in
areas where damage to other desired species is unlikely.

All chemicals used in the treatment of invasive species should be
applied according to the manufacturer's label and applicable state laws.
It is the participant's responsibility to follow the applicable
regulations and instructions on correct application, setbacks,
protection of environmentally sensitive areas, buffers, etc. Contact a
Licensed Commercial Pesticide Applicator or dealer with questions
regarding mixtures, application, regulations, and disposal methods.

The participant is responsible for obtaining a private applicator permit
in his/her name as required for the application of restricted-use
pesticides on the treatment area. Alternatively, a Licensed Commercial
Pesticide Applicator may be used to make such applications. NRCS is not
responsible for necessary permits or any negligent use of applied
chemicals.

Because reed canarygrass may tolerate deep inundation for up to two
years before it succumbs, using flooding as a control method is most
useful in systems that have water control systems capable of impounding
sufficient water.

**Other Problem Weeds**

If cocklebur volunteers, it can be controlled by flooding for about six
(6) to 14 days when the plants are two (2) to six (6) inches tall.
Mowing and/or burning or disking during the growing season, then
flooding until the following spring can usually control other
undesirable species, including tree seedlings.

**OTHER MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS**

**Disturbance**

Human activities in and around the management unit can have a
significant impact on the behavior of wildlife. Disturbances cause
waterbirds to move to other feeding grounds, and may lower their
productivity of nesting or brooding. Limit human disturbances while
waterbirds are present. Where feasible, consider screened buffer zones
to separate disturbances (roads) from the site.

**Vegetative Buffers**

In many locations the shallow water area may benefit from a permanent
vegetative buffer. Filter strips can limit sediment from entering the
area. A border of grasses and legumes will buffer the area from
surrounding land uses and provide additional wildlife habitat.

**Disease concerns**

Avian botulism is a paralytic disease caused by ingestion of a toxin
produced by bacteria. This bacterium is widespread in soil and requires
warm temperatures and an anaerobic environment in order to become
active. Therefore flooding sites in summer when temperatures are high is
generally not recommended except for shorebird management.

**Table 1 Response of common moist-soil plants to drawdown times^a\ ^**

+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+
| ***Desired*       |                    | **Dr   |         |         |
| Species**         |                    | awdown |         |         |
|                   |                    | Time** |         |         |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+
| ###               | **Scientific       | **Earl | **      | **La    |
| # **Common name** | name**             | y^b^** | Midseas | te^d^** |
|                   |                    |        | on^c^** |         |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+
| Aster             | *Aster spp.*       | *+++*  | *++*    | *+*     |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+
| Beggarticks       | *Bidens spp.*      | *+*    | *+++*   | *+++*   |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+
| Crabgrass         | *Digitaria spp.*   |        | *+++*   | *+++*   |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+
| Curltop           | *Polygonum         | *+++*  |         |         |
| ladysthumb        | lapathifolium*     |        |         |         |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+
| Dock              | *Rumex spp.*       |        | *+++*   | *+*     |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+
| Morning glory     | *Ipomoea spp.*     | ++     | ++      |         |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+
| Panic grass       | *Panicum spp.*     |        | *+++*   | *++*    |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+
| Pennsylvania      | *Polygonum         | *+++*  |         |         |
| smartweed         | pensylvanicum*     |        |         |         |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+
| Red-rooted sedge  | *Cyperus           |        | *++*    |         |
|                   | erythrorhizos*     |        |         |         |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+
| Rice cutgrass     | *Leersia           | *+++*  | *+*     |         |
|                   | oryzoides*         |        |         |         |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+
| Spikerush         | *Eleocharis spp.*  | *+++*  | *+*     | *+*     |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+
| Wild millet       | *Echinochloa       | *+*    | *+++*   | *++*    |
|                   | walteri*           |        |         |         |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+
| Wild millet       | *Echinochloa       | *+*    | *+++*   | *+*     |
|                   | muricata*          |        |         |         |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+---------+---------+

+-------------------+--------------------+--------+--------+----------+
| ***Problem*       |                    | ##     |        |          |
| Species^e^**      |                    | #### D |        |          |
|                   |                    | rawdow |        |          |
|                   |                    | n Time |        |          |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+--------+----------+
| ###               | **Scientific       | **E    | *      | **Late** |
| # **Common name** | name**             | arly** | *Midse |          |
|                   |                    |        | ason** |          |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+--------+----------+
| Cocklebur         | *Xanthium          | *++*   | *+++*  | *++*     |
|                   | strumarium*        |        |        |          |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+--------+----------+
| Purple            | *Lythrum           | *++*   | *++*   | *+*      |
| loosestrife       | salicaria*         |        |        |          |
+-------------------+--------------------+--------+--------+----------+

**^a^** + = fair response; ++ = moderate response; +++ = excellent
response

**^b^** Drawdown completed within the first 45 days of the growing
season

**^c^** Drawdown after first 45 days of growing season and before July 1

**^d^** Drawdown after July 1

**^e^** Control through extending flooding duration, chemical treatment,
or mechanical means.

**Figure 1 Suggested Flooding Regimes for Seasonally Flooded Wetlands of
the Midwest** ![](media/image5.png){width="6.997916666666667in"
height="3.6020833333333333in"}

***Adapted from: Fish and Wildlife Leaflet 13.2.1. 1988, and 13.4.6. ,
1991.***

#####