The Effects of the Common Reed
Phragmites australis, or the common reed, is a tall grass that is found throughout much of the world; however, this species has become very invasive throughout much of the eastern United States. The common reed generally grows in marsh areas and often displaces many species of short grass such as Spartina patens, Distichlis spicata, and Juncus gerardii (Windham et al, 1999). It has been shown that the replacement of short grass by Phragmites is detrimental to the waterfowl populations as well as many rare plant species (Windham et al, 1999). |
States where the the common reed is invasive (shown in red) |
Phragmites not only effect organisms in a direct manner, but also in an indirect manner. For instance, in a study done near the Mullica River in New Jersey, the invasion of the common reed severely affected the properties of the soil and the ecosystem as a whole (Windham et al, 1999). More specifically, the study showed that the areas with Phragmites had 10 times more aboveground biomass than the areas that were full of short grass species (Windham et al, 1999). Additionally, the interstitial water salinity in Phragmite-rich areas was two percent lower than shortgrass-rich areas. There was also a decrease in water level and microtopographic relief in areas where the common reed was prevalent. Finally, the grass redox potentials were higher for the common reed compare to the shortgrass species (Windham et al, 1999). All of these physical changes to the environment caused by Phragmites can have a large effect on other plant and animal species. For instance, angiosperm and bird biodiversity is greatly reduced in areas where the Phragmites are established (Warren et al, 2001). |
It has been difficult to prevent the spread of this invasive species because it is very adept at growing in marsh areas. Additionally, they seem to grow better than other grass species when the marsh areas have been polluted (Windham et al, 1999). There have not been many specific remedies for the common reed, but a combination of herbicides, mowing, flooding, and burning has been the most popular method of control (http://www.pserie.psu.edu/seagrant/ais/watershed/phragmites.htm). |
Common Reed (Phragmites australis) |
