Floodplain plant productivity is better predicted by particulate nutrients than by dissolved nutrients in floodwater

We conclude the edge of inundation is a poor predictor of the zone of high productivity. Nutrient input is higher near the river channel due to deposition of particulate nutrients, which are thus more relevant for vegetation productivity than dissolved nutrients. Spatial particulate nutrient patterns should therefore be integrated in monitoring programmes for policy and research. We further recommend refining the flood pulse concept to take into account the spatial deposition of river derived particulate nutrients, as well as non river-derived inundation water sources.