Journal article
The Spatial Distribution of Potential Natural Infrastructure Practices in the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin
Next research, Vol.2(4), 100858
12/2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.nexres.2025.100858
Abstract
Natural infrastructure (NI) is increasingly being utilized to reduce flood risk and improve water quality, with several different types of NI practices potentially being available for stakeholders. However, guidance on the amount of land available for NI and which practices are appropriate for a region has often been insufficient. This study investigated spatial differences for potential NI installation throughout the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin (MARB)—specifically analyzing eight practices related to wetlands, row crop conversion, riparian buffers, and levee reconnection. The potential placement area of each NI practice was estimated for all HUC12s within the MARB, and a composite metric was used to gauge each HUC12’s overall NI suitability. We then aggregated these NI practice extents using four spatial grouping systems (states, HUC2 basins, land resource regions, and modified physiographic provinces). All eight practices demonstrated significant spatial differences across the MARB. Riparian buffers contained the greatest potential installation area (6.07 %), while floodplain wetlands contained the lowest (0.58 %). Particular regions, such as the Midwest and Louisiana, showed high suitability for NI implementation, while others, such as mountainous areas, exhibited minimal potential. The analysis of these spatial groupings suggested that boundaries along state and HUC2 lines often miss important parameters that influence NI potential. Modified physiographic provinces, which incorporated geology and glaciation history, best captured NI’s spatial variance and thus may be advantageous for future conservation considerations.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The Spatial Distribution of Potential Natural Infrastructure Practices in the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin
- Creators
- Elliot S. AndersonKeith E. SchillingJerry MountPhil Kerr - University of IowaKelly M. Suttles
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Next research, Vol.2(4), 100858
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.nexres.2025.100858
- ISSN
- 3050-4759
- eISSN
- 3050-4759
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 09/26/2025
- Date published
- 12/2025
- Academic Unit
- IIHR--Hydroscience and Engineering; School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability
- Record Identifier
- 9984969109102771
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