Hutchinson, J.T., Clearwater, T, Kent, J, Kapoor, V, Dessouky, S. 2026. Spontaneous vegetation diversity in managed stormwater swales and detention basins in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone of Central Texas, Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 406: 129841. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.129841
Swales and detention basins represent novel engineered ecosystems dominated by ruderal plants tolerant of inundation, drought, and extreme heat. In this study, we documented the plant species coverage and biomass in swales and detention basins. In total, we documented 115 plant species (89 native and 26 non-native) in the swales, and 94 plant species (68 native and 26 non-native) in detention basins. Spontaneous plant communities in swales and detention basins are distinct, sharing only a 33% similarity. Swales exhibited higher mean species richness (ranging from 8.6 to 11.0) and higher mean vegetation cover (58 to 129%) compared to detention basins. Dry above-ground biomass was higher in swales, largely driven by graminoids. Although initial planting in newly constructed swales and detention basins should utilize native grasses, allowing spontaneous native vegetation to establish following planting is recommended. These species form resilient novel ecosystems that are inherently adapted to environmental changes.
