Distribution of the invasive reed Phragmites australis relative to sediment depth in a created wetland

TitleDistribution of the invasive reed Phragmites australis relative to sediment depth in a created wetland
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1999
AuthorsPyke, CR, Havens, KJ
JournalWetlands
Volume19
Pagination283-287.
KeywordsGramineae (Ecology Environmental Biology–Oceanography and Limnology) (General Biology–Conservation, Resource Management) (Ecology Environmental Biology–Wildlife Management-Aquatic) (Agronomy–Weed Control) (Soil Science–General Methods (1970- )) Angiosperms Monocots Spermatophytes Vascular Plants Reed Distribution Sediment Depth Relationship Tidal
Abstract

This study collected new data on sediment thickness and distribution and integrated it with existing data on the distribution of plant species within a small (0.5 ha) created, tidal salt marsh in Langley, Virginia, USA. The presence of the reed Phragmites australis was found to be inversely correlated with sediment accumulation on the marsh surface. Sediment-deficient areas seem at a higher risk for invasion by P. australis and subsequent loss of designed marsh habitat. The results indicate that areas of low sediment accumulation may be used as a proxy measure for areas vulnerable to invasion. These areas can be easily delimited both in the field and on aerial photography.