Freshwater wetland plants respond nonlinearly to inundation over a sustained period

Abstract

Premise: Wetland plants regularly experience physiological stresses resulting from inundation; however, plant responses to the interacting effects of water level and inundation duration are not fully understood. Methods: We conducted a mesocosm experiment on two wetland species, sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) and muhly grass (Muhlenbergia filipes), that co-dominate many freshwater wetlands in the Florida Everglades. We tracked photosynthesis, respiration, and growth at water levels of −10 (control), 10 (shallow), and 35 cm (deep) with reference to soil surface over 6 months. Results: The response of photosynthesis to inundation was nonlinear. Specifically, photosynthetic capacity (A max ) declined by 25% in sawgrass and by 70% in muhly grass after 1-2 months of inundation. After 4 months, A max of muhly grass in the deep-water treatment declined to near zero. Inundated sawgrass maintained similar leaf respiration and growth rates as the control, whereas inundated muhly grass suppressed both respiration and growth. At the end of the experiment, sawgrass had similar nonstructural carbohydrate pools in all treatments. By contrast, muhly grass in the deep-water treatment had largely depleted sugar reserves but maintained a similar starch pool as the control, which is critical for post-stress recovery. Conclusions: Overall, the two species exhibited nonlinear and contrasting patterns of carbon uptake and use under inundation stress, which ultimately defines their strategies of surviving regularly flooded habitats. The results suggest that a future scenario with more intensive inundation, due to the water management and climate change, may weaken the dominance of muhly grass in many freshwater wetlands of the Everglades.

Carbon Dynamics of a Coastal Wetland Transitioning to Mangrove Forest

“…When sawgrass is inundated and water levels rise, or faces salt stress, photosynthetic capacity declines significantly (Lamers et al., 2013; Zhao et al., 2018). Despite having lower rates of photosynthesis compared to other C 3 species, the rates for R. mangle remain largely unchanged during saline or inundated conditions compared to their marsh counterparts (Barr et al., 2010; Hogan et al., 2022; Lopes et al., 2023; Pezeshki et al., 1996; Zhao et al., 2021). Red mangroves' physiological adaptation to salt stress, along with the higher LAI, allows for greater carbon sequestration.…”

“…10.1029/2023JG007991 compared to other C 3 species, the rates for R. mangle remain largely unchanged during saline or inundated conditions compared to their marsh counterparts (Barr et al, 2010;Hogan et al, 2022;Lopes et al, 2023;Pezeshki et al, 1996;Zhao et al, 2021). Red mangroves' physiological adaptation to salt stress, along with the higher LAI, allows for greater carbon sequestration.…”

Biological Flora of Coastal Freshwater and Brackish Marshes: Cladium jamaicense Crantz

“…However, they noted that growth still occurred in sawgrass at a water depth of 1.0 m. Kominoski et al (2021) noted that water depth affects temperature and light. Zhao et al (2021) related that photosynthetic activity of C. jamaicense declined 25% after inundation of 1 or 2 months.…”

“…Large air spaces are conducive to the movements of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Ponzio, Miller, and Lee (2004); Serna et al (2015); Stalter and Lamont (2021); Wood and Tanner (1990); and Zhao et al (2021).…”

“…(2021) noted that water depth affects temperature and light. Zhao et al . (2021) related that photosynthetic activity of C. jamaicense declined 25% after inundation of 1 or 2 months.…”