THE WATER MANAGEMENT AT TRAM CHIM NATIONAL PARK, VIETNAM
Truyen Duong Minh1, Phetdalaphone Bouttavong2, Karen S. Doerr3,
Le Quynh Phuong4, Sakboworn Tumpeesuwan5
1Can Tho University, 2National University of Laos, 3Louisiana State University,
4Tram Chim National Park, 5Mahasarakham University, Thailand
ABSTRACT
Tram Chim is a remnant wetland of the plain of reeds that drained prior to reunification. Tram Chim was most well known for being home to the Eastern Sarus Crane (Grus antigone sharpii) and many other water birds. One of the most essential things here is how to control the water levels effectively. Keeping the water too long and the water levels too high can destroy the ecosystem in Tram Chim while drying up the water and making the area too dried cause fire problems. The first objective was to analyze the hydrology of Tram Chim through a water budget and by assessing the variability and connectivity. The second objective was to survey the types of soils present and understand the processes involved. We found the water velocity at Tram Chim was close to zero. The pH values at Tram Chim indicate that water levels at unit A4 have kept too dry for too long, causing acid soils to oxidize, creating acid water when the wet season occurs. Due to this problem, many managers at Tram Chim attempt to restore the hydrology by regulating the water management in Tram Chim National Park.
