Effects of Winter Harvesting and Salinity on the Structure of Regrowing Reed Stands

Abstract

Harvest and salinity are two important factors of the growth of common reed (Phragmites australis). We here examined the different impact of winter harvest treatment on the Phragmites australis between high and low salinity (mean soil electrical conductivity is 7.87 ms/cm and 0.91 ms/cm) areas in Dongtan wetland of Yangtze River estuary, China. We measured phenology, Shoot density, stem diameter and height, biomass (total, aboveground and belowground biomass) and spike weight. At high salinity areas, harvest significantly inhibited the individual growth of stem height yet enhanced ramet density, and consequently led to an insignificant change in aboveground biomass. The belowground parts of reed were significantly inhibited. The root shoot ratio and the proportion of asexual reproduction decreased significantly. At low salinity areas, however, winter harvest generally has no significant influence on reed growth. Our results suggest that the winter harvest management may cause a decline of reed populations in the long term under condition of high salinity; however winter harvesting can be suggested as a proper management for sustainable utilization of reed communities at low salinity areas.

Analysis of Resource Potential of Emergent Aquatic Vegetation in the Curonian Lagoon of the Baltic Sea

“…Livestock grazing in the coastal zone, and trampling or mechanical damage by boats to coastal vegetation undoubtedly leads to a change in productivity in this area; however, at the moment, there are no prerequisites for a significant change in the level and direction of economic use in the coastal territories of the Curonian Lagoon. The salinity of the water in the Curonian Lagoon, according to long-term observation (an over-twenty-year period), is a fairly stable factor [22,23] and varies within 0.5-1.9 ppt with an average salinity of 1.2 ppt. According to the data of Huang et al [23] and Lissner et al [24], salinity change up to 5 ppm does not have a significant effect on the development of the common reed biomass.…”

“…The salinity of the water in the Curonian Lagoon, according to long-term observation (an over-twenty-year period), is a fairly stable factor [22,23] and varies within 0.5-1.9 ppt with an average salinity of 1.2 ppt. According to the data of Huang et al [23] and Lissner et al [24], salinity change up to 5 ppm does not have a significant effect on the development of the common reed biomass. Thus, a change in the productivity of aquatic plant biomass in the Curonian Lagoon as a result of salinity impact is not expected in the near future.…”

A Bayesian approach to ecosystem service trade-off analysis utilizing expert knowledge

“…However, the impacts of reed harvesting as a management intervention on other ESs are largely unknown. Research investigating the impact of such management measures on reed bed morphology suggests the chance of the reed bed's morphology being altered, and threats to biodiversity, the ecosystem, and its services might arise (Iital et al 2012;Huang et al 2014). These results are still subject to uncertainty and require further research (Iital et al 2012).…”