Phragmites-fire feedbacks: the influence of fire and disturbance-altered hydrology on the abundance of Phragmites australis

Abstract

Historical land-use conversion and drainage may increase the risk of high intensity, soil-consuming res in peatlands. Severe res may degrade ecosystem resilience through changes in hydrology and by removing remnant seed and bud banks. Given this, peatlands are highly susceptible to species invasions from aggressive colonizing species post-disturbance. In this work we aimed to address the impacts of smoldering res on the abundance of the noxious Phragmites australis in a large re scar at the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (VA and NC, USA). Primarily, we wanted to observe the extent of the relationship between the altered hydrology of post-re conditions and P. australis occurrence. We did so by leveraging high resolution satellite imagery, random forest models, LiDAR data, and water table observations. Our results suggest that P. australis is aided by a hydrologic regime generated, in part, from the combined effects of drainage and deep smoldering res. Our ndings emphasize the importance of hydrologic management post-disturbance for limiting P. australis invasion. Further, we highlight the potential for feedbacks between deep peat consuming burns and P. australis invasions and spread in degraded peatlands.

Leveraging Reed Bed Burnings as Indicators of Wetland Conversion in Modern Greece

“…The common reed is a food source in grazing-marsh livestock or even for humans following certain diets and presents significant carbon dioxide uptake [54,55]. When considered as a non-native species or in land-reclaimed locations, it is perceived as a pest to be controlled [56].…”