Study

Factors affecting revegetation of Carex lacustris and Carex stricta from rhizomes

  • Published source details Yetka L.A. & Galatowitsch S.M. (1999) Factors affecting revegetation of Carex lacustris and Carex stricta from rhizomes. Restoration Ecology, 7, 162-171.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Introduce fragments of non-woody plants: freshwater wetlands

Action Link
Marsh and Swamp Conservation
  1. Introduce fragments of non-woody plants: freshwater wetlands

    A replicated study in 1994–1996 in three experimental freshwater wetlands in Minnesota, USA (Yetka & Galatowitsch 1999) reported 0–73% survival of planted sedge Carex spp. rhizomes over 1–9 months, and that the abundance of one species increased over two growing seasons. Statistical significance was not assessed. Overall survival rates were 27% for lake sedge Carex lacustris and 4% for tussock sedge Carex stricta. However, for each species, survival varied with planting season, water regime and elevation. For example, 73% of lake sedge rhizomes were alive in June after planting in spring under a rising water regime. This dropped to 38% for spring-planted rhizomes under a falling water regime, and <2% for autumn-planted rhizomes under any water regime. The study also monitored the abundance of lake sedge in plots planted with that species. After one growing season, there were 14 shoots/m2 and 80 g/m2 above-ground biomass. After two growing seasons, there were 36–39 shoots/m2 and 236–497 g/m2 above-ground biomass (averaged across implementation options). Methods: Field-collected sedge rhizomes were trimmed (to 10 cm length; roots removed) and planted (2–4 cm deep) into three adjacent wetlands. There were 56 rhizomes for each combination of species, season (autumn 1994 or spring 1995), water regime (stable, low over winter/rising through growing season, high over winter/falling through growing season) and elevation (six levels). Survival (presence of living shoots) was monitored in June 1995. Shoots were counted in October 1995 and 1996. Biomass was cut, dried and weighed in August 1995 and 1996.

    (Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)

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