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Growth of softstem bulrush (Scirpus validus) in microcosms with different hydrologic regimes and media depths

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Abstract

Factors affecting growth of softstem bulrush (Scirpus validus), an obligate wetland plant frequently used in subsurface-flow constructed wetlands in North America, were studied in a controlled environmental chamber. Effects of media depth (30-and 46-cm), hydraulic retention time (HRT) (2- and 6-day), and water-level drawdown (drawdown vs. no drawdown) on plant growth in 24 microcosms were investigated. Weekly root and stem growth was measured and stem health assessed to determine effects of treatments on plant vigor. Water-level drawdown was detrimental to plant growth, increasing the percentage of dead stems. Stem production was higher in microcosms with a 46-cm media depth than those with a 30-cm depth and also higher in microcosms that were permanently flooded than in those with fluctuating water levels. Root production was greater in microcosms with a 30-cm media depth than in those with a 46-cm depth, and root production was also greater in microcosms that were constantly flooded than in those drawn down. Scirpus validus is a robust plant that grows well in gravel media microcosms; however, problems are experienced when rhizomes and roots dry out during water drainage.

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Author notes

  1. Rachael G. Hunter

    Present address: Wetland Biogeochemistry Institute, Louisiana State University, 70803, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Tennessee Technological University, 38505, Cookeville, Tennessee, USA

    Rachael G. Hunter & Daniel L. Combs

  2. Center for the Management, Utilization, and Protection of Water Resources, Tennessee Technological University, 38505, Cookeville, Tennessee, USA

    Dennis B. George

Authors
  1. Rachael G. Hunter
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  2. Daniel L. Combs
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  3. Dennis B. George
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Correspondence to Rachael G. Hunter.

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Hunter, R.G., Combs, D.L. & George, D.B. Growth of softstem bulrush (Scirpus validus) in microcosms with different hydrologic regimes and media depths. Wetlands 20, 15–22 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1672/0277-5212(2000)020[0015:GOSBSV]2.0.CO;2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1672/0277-5212(2000)020[0015:GOSBSV]2.0.CO;2

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