Thus, the first step must be to determine whether aquatic plants respond to UVB in ways similar to those expressed by terrestrial plants. Caldwell et al . Such a result in prairie potholes has the potential to disrupt nutrient flow within the wetland from year to year, if decomposition is less complete before wetlands dry. Fallen and standing litter also inhibits germination of seeds of plants that would normally succeed as wetlands dry. Indirect effects of increased UVB have, perhaps, greater potential for damage to prairie wetland habitat than do direct effects.
Wetlands existing among cultivated fields often accumulate pesticides from runoff or drift.
Toxicity of pesticides after UVB irradiation should be high on the list of research imperatives. Formerly expansive grasslands have already been fragmented by farming and livestock grazing, with resultant declines in some populations of upland-nesting birds. The CO 2 fertilization effect will influence availability of upland habitat. Upland habitat is also sensitive to changing temperature and precipitation. Length of growing season will influence plant species composition and thus habitat structure.