In semi-distributed hydrologic models, it is difficult to account for the impacts of wetlands on hydrologic processes, as they are based on lumped, subbasin-scale wetland concepts. It is a challenge to incorporate the influences of individual small wetlands into watershed-scale models by using lumped parameterization. The objective of this study was to improve watershed-scale hydrologic modeling by taking into account real wetland features during the wetland parameterization. To achieve this objective, a joint modeling framework was proposed to couple a surface delineation algorithm with a semi-distributed hydrologic model and then applied to the Upper Turtle River watershed in North Dakota, USA. The delineation algorithm identified the topographic properties of wetlands, which were further utilized for wetland parameterization. A nonlinear area–storage relationship was determined and used in the estimation of the wetland-related parameters. The results demonstrated that the new joint modeling approach effectively avoided misestimating the wetland-related parameters by accounting for real topographic characteristics (e.g., storage, ponding area, and contributing area) of identified wetlands and their influences, and provided improved modeling of the hydrologic processes in such a wetland-dominated watershed.

Peat moss is a primary component of horticultural potting mixes, but its extraction is destructive to boreal bogs and results in considerable greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, we conduct a preliminary investigation into whether a suitable alternative could be produced from Typha domingensis. Cattail harvest offers a means to recycle nutrients from eutrophic wetlands but rarely occurs due to a paucity of economically viable uses. This study investigates Typha-derived bioproducts that could serve as peat substitutes, thus replacing a product that degrades wetlands with one that benefits them. Horticulturally relevant physical characteristics (water holding capacity, dry bulk density, and particle size distribution) and chemical characteristics (nitrogen [N] immobilization, pH, and conductivity) were compared for 3 Typha bioproducts (shredded Typha, Typha compost, and Typha biochar), a blend consisting of equal parts of these bioproducts, and 4 commercially sourced conventional media (peat moss, coco coir, biochar, and compost). For all horticulturally relevant characteristics mentioned, our results for the conventional media were similar to those of previous studies on potting media properties. Typha products showed similar physical characteristics to the commercial media, but chemical characteristics were different and might pose challenges. Nitrogen Drawdown Index (NDI) results showed that shredded Typha immobilized N, making this product less suitable for horticulture. Conductivities exceeding the suggested upper limit for growing media (3.5 dS/m) proved to be the main issue for composted Typha (4.6 dS/m) and Typha biochar (29.1 dS/M), but these defects may be corrected through rinsing and, for Typha biochar, a reduction in pyrolysis temperature. Ultimately, results of this study suggest that, with some refinement in processing to improve chemical characteristics, Typha biochar and Typha compost may have a valuable place in potting mixes. If so, this value-added Typha product would provide a financial incentive to harvest problematic stands of Typha and therefore their constituent nutrients from eutrophic wetlands, helping to mitigate the causes of harmful algal blooms and providing an environmentally friendly alternative to the widespread, destructive practice of mining sphagnum peat moss.