Edaphic controls on sedge invasion in a tropical wetland assessed with electromagnetic induction
Atwell, Melissa; Wuddivira, Mark; Gobin, Judith; Robinson, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7290-4867. 2013 Edaphic controls on sedge invasion in a tropical wetland assessed with electromagnetic induction. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 77 (5). 1865-1874. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2013.04.0138
Before downloading, please read NORA policies.
|
Text
N0503557PP.pdf - Accepted Version Download (742kB) | Preview |
Abstract/Summary
Invasion of sedge in the wetlands of Trinidad is causing an increase in wetland dry season fires and a reduction in coastal pasture, adversely affecting the livelihoods of people living and working in the wetlands. The purpose of our research was to determine if soil properties and water quality could help to explain why the area of sedge is expanding. We conducted an observational study, using geophysical methods and standard sampling techniques to determine the relationship between grass and sedge zonation and soil properties and water quality. Our findings showed that both the electrical conductivity of the soil solution at saturation (ECe) and surface water electrical conductivity (ECw) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in sedge communities than in grass communities (mean ECe of sedge = 4.4 dS/m; mean ECe grass = 3.7 dS/m; mean ECw of sedge = 0.5 dS/m; mean ECw of grass = 0.2 dS/m). Our interpretation is that changes to the local hydrology by channelizing and levying rivers, reducing wetland flooding, is enhancing saline intrusion and facilitating the invasion of brackish water sedge species into non-salt-tolerant grassland areas.
Item Type: | Publication - Article |
---|---|
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2013.04.0138 |
Programmes: | CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biogeochemistry > BGC Topic 3 - Managing Threats to Environment and Health > BGC - 3.3 - Deliver effective advice, models and applied science ... |
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas: | Emmett |
ISSN: | 0361-5995 |
NORA Subject Terms: | Ecology and Environment Agriculture and Soil Science |
Date made live: | 29 Nov 2013 12:11 +0 (UTC) |
URI: | https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/503557 |
Actions (login required)
View Item |
Document Downloads
Downloads for past 30 days
Downloads per month over past year