The Eradication of Phragmites on Soil Conditions Over Time

1. Abstract The phragmites australis are an invasive species that are a form of common reed. These plants have spread greatly through the United States by creating a monoculture on which only they can survive (Phragmites). These plants have thick, dense root systems that block the natural salinity of marshes that native species need to survive , as well as drying out the soil for other plants and overall changing the tidal wetlands to suit its needs. These changes damage and decrease the biodiversity of the area and decrease the amount of native species (Ailstock). Recently, West Haven’s Cove River went through an phragmites eradication process. This process included the spraying of two herbicides Iamazapyr and Glyphosate in combination with mulch mowing techniques. My research follows the results of the phragmites eradication on the soil to determine if the eradication had a positive effect on the soil conditions of the marsh. Specifically , it measured the nitrate, phosphate, temperature, pH level, oxygen, and salinity level of the soil over a period of time. My hypothesis was “If the phragmites eradication was successful, then the salinity, oxygen, and nitrate levels will increase because the decaying phragmites will give off nitrates and since the fibrous root systems have degraded oxygen and salts can return to the soil.” Conclusions As expected, dissolved oxygen levels did increase over time. Natural nitrate and phosphate levels did continue to flux. PH level of the soil did increase over time. Nitrate levels stayed within the unpolluted standards of less than 4.0 mg/L ; since they are essential to plant growth this is a good sign for the regrowth of native plant life (Quality). The high phosphate levels are most likely due to the high level human activity in the area and are caused by pollution (BASIN). They will not be overly damaging to any native plant life regrowing there. Overall, the marsh is slowly rebuilding itself. The soil is returning to the normal standard of a tidal wetland. Data and Results • Work Cited • - Ailstock, Stephen M. Common Reed Phragmites Australis: Control and Effects Upon Bio Diversity in Freshwater Nontidal Wetlands. Diss. N.d. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print. • -"BASIN: General Info on Phosphorous." N.p., n.d. Web. <http://bcn.boulder.co.us/basin/data/NEW/info/TP.html>. • -Cove River. N.d. WEST HAVEN. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Print. • -Digital image. N.p., 2013. Web. <http://www.southernct.edu/academics/schools/arts/departments/sciedu/faculty/scottgraves.html>. • -"Phragmites: Common Reed." Invasive Plants. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.invasiveplants.net/phragmites/>. • -"Water and Soil Quality." N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.cees.iupui.edu/education/Workshops/Project_Seam/water_quality.htm>. • Materials and Methods • VerneerProbeware • Plastic Collection Buckets • Boots for soil collection • To collect soil one had to go out into the swamp water, just deep enough to get avoid the decaying phragmites, then scoop soil into a bucket. Remove as much excess water as possible. Then quickly take the probeware and take measurements as soon as possible so the sample is not altered. Once measurements are completed dump contents of the bucket back into the swamp The Eradication of Phragmites on Soil Conditions Over Time By Kayley Carr with acknowledgments to the West Haven High School AP Biology class of 2014, Professor Scott Graves, and Mr. Dickson.