The effect of rhizosphere oxidation on redox level was investigated be
tween vegetated and denuded plots and between Acer rubrum and Fraxirtu
s pennsylvanica seedlings within a seasonally flooded forested system
in Virginia. Redox potentials were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in
the upper 15 cm of the soils in the vegetated plots. Redox potential
within the root mass of Acer rubrum seedlings did not differ significa
ntly from those adjacent to the root mass. Fraxinus pennsylvanica seed
lings showed significantly (p < 0.01) elevated redox potential within
the root mass when compared to the adjacent nonrooted area. Vegetation
directly influences the redox state of the rhizosphere in seasonally
flooded forested systems through seasonal growth patterns and adventit
ious root formation. This may have implications in the biogeochemical
cycling of soil constituents in forested wetland systems and subsequen
t water quality functions.