I am calculating my first wetland water budget for a wetland mitigation site in Virginia and am wondering if anyone here would recommend any particular websites, texts, or other info. that help explain the process. I understand the inputs and outputs, however I am struggling somewhat with setting the budget up in regards to land cover type, soil group etc. and how they factor into the overall budget equation. Thank you in advance for any tips.

Dave Trible

The need to know the information you mention is to aid in calculating runoff. One commonly used and suitable method is TR-55 form the NRCS. TR-55 is available from the NRCS web site. You need only use the information in Chapter 2 for your runoff calculations. Be certain that you take into account all of the factors in a water budget namely inputs of precipitation, surface water, and ground water and all of the losses namely Evapotranspiration, infiltration, and surface water runoff.
It is not the water budget that is desireable to your planning process. Rather, pay attention to the hdrograph that you generate by using water budgeting techniques.

Gary-

Thanks for the info. and help on this. Hopefully someday I can find the time/money for one of the courses on 'planning hydrology for constructed wetlands' but in the meantime I will heed your advice and plod along. Thanks again.