Study

The influence of environmental factors and management on stands of Phragmites australis. I. Effects of burning, frost and insect damage on shoot density and shoot size

  • Published source details van Der Toorn J. & Mook J.H. (1982) The influence of environmental factors and management on stands of Phragmites australis. I. Effects of burning, frost and insect damage on shoot density and shoot size. Journal of Applied Ecology, 19, 477-499.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Cut/mow herbaceous plants to maintain or restore disturbance: freshwater marshes

Action Link
Marsh and Swamp Conservation

Use prescribed fire to maintain or restore disturbance: freshwater marshes

Action Link
Marsh and Swamp Conservation
  1. Cut/mow herbaceous plants to maintain or restore disturbance: freshwater marshes

    A replicated, paired, controlled study in 1972–1975 in a created reedbed in the Netherlands (van der Toorn & Mook 1982) reported mixed effects of winter mowing on the subsequent density of common reed Phragmites australis. Statistical significance was not assessed. In two of three comparisons (both in 1972), the maximum annual reed density was lower in mown plots (340–450 stems/m2) than in unmown plots (520–730 stems/m2). In the other comparison (in 1974), the maximum annual reed density was higher in a mown plot (470 stems/m2) than in an unmown plot (250 stems/m2). Methods: In 1971, two pairs of plots were established in a young reedbed (sown in 1968). One pair was in a wetter area (flooded spring to autumn). One pair was in a drier area (water table 30–100 cm below surface). Between 1972 and 1975, one plot/pair was mown each winter. The other plots were not mown. All standing reed stems were counted between April and October each year (0.25–0.50 m2 quadrats; 4–6 quadrats/plot/sampling date).

    (Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)

  2. Use prescribed fire to maintain or restore disturbance: freshwater marshes

    A replicated, paired, controlled study in 1972–1975 in a created reedbed in the Netherlands (van der Toorn & Mook 1982) reported that the effect of spring burning on the subsequent density of common reed Phragmites australis depended on how wet the plots were. Statistical significance was not assessed. In a wetter area of the reedbed, the maximum annual reed density was typically lower in burned than unburned plots (three of four years, for which burned: 220–440 stems/m2; unburned: 310–920 stems/m2). In a drier area of the reedbed, the maximum annual reed density was typically higher in burned than unburned plots (three of four years, for which burned: 530–630 stems/m2; unburned: 230–270 stems/m2). Methods: In 1971, two pairs of plots were established in a young reedbed (sown in 1968). One pair was in a wetter area (flooded spring to autumn). One pair was in a drier area (water table 30–100 cm below surface). Between 1972 and 1975, one plot/pair was burned each spring (as early as possible). The other plots were not burned. All standing reed stems were counted between April and October each year (0.25–0.50 m2 quadrats; 4–6 quadrats/plot/sampling date). This study used the same experimental set-up as (1).

    (Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)

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