Abstract Detail

Ecology

Forstater, Erica [1], Michaels, Helen [1].

Survey of nutrients and invasive Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush) in Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge diked wetlands.

Introduced to the Great Lakes Region from Europe before 1900, invasive Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus, FR) forms monotypic stands that crowd native species and cover open water systems. Factors contributing to invasion persistence and impacts on ecosystem function by this species are poorly understood. This study characterizes vegetation and environmental factors at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, which borders Lake Erie, to understand how sediment nutrient levels in watersheds affect FR invasion. It was hypothesized that increased sediment nutrient levels are important drivers of the invasion success of FR. Sediment nutrient levels and vegetation were sampled within 82 1m² random plots throughout the marsh complex. Vegetation of FR and the 18 other species present were harvested, or canopy characteristics were measured, to estimate biomass. Flowering rush was the most abundant of all identified emergent invasive species found, and was found at 55% of the surveyed plots. Average FR rhizome bud count per plot was 509, with a range of 0-2760. Flowering rush was found both with and without native species and other invasive species. Sediment nutrient analysis of phosphorus, nitrate-nitrite, and ammonia showed heterogeneity within and across management units, which may indicate the presence of nutrient hotspots across the landscape. Average water depth across all plots was 38.15cm, whereas average water depth at locations with FR present was 31.58cm. These data will inform future experiments testing FR and native species response to non-point-source nutrient additions, which will help to manage coastal wetland biodiversity and the ecosystem services provided by them.

1 - Bowling Green State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 217 Life Sciences Building, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA

Keywords:
Flowering Rush
Butomus umbellatus
Nutrients
Sediment
Lake Erie 
Wetlands.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Ecology
Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PEC006
Abstract ID:204
Candidate for Awards:None