Poster Details
TRADEOFFS AMONG ECOSTSTEM SERVICES AFTER PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS REMOVAL IN GREAT LAKES COASTAL WETLANDS
In many Great Lakes wetlands, invasive Phragmites australis (common reed) has displaced native communities and significant effort is devoted to its management. In this study, we investigated the tradeoff between floristic quality and nutrient retention in coastal wetlands five years after herbicide treatment was applied to remove Phragmites. We compared plant productivity, nutrient uptake, and floristic quality index (FQI) values in seven restored and four Phragmites-dominated sites along the western side of Lake Erie. The average aboveground biomass at Phragmites sites was four times greater than at restored sites (1903.0 grams and 415.5 grams m-2, respectively), indicating significantly greater nutrient uptake. The average floristic quality index was significantly greater for restored sites (7.1) than for Phragmites sites (2.4), indicating that restored sites support the re-establishment of native flora. These outcomes highlight trade-offs in of ecosystem services associated with invasive species management.
Amanda Kandies (Primary Presenter/Author,Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Eastern Michigan University, akandies@emich.edu;
Kristi Judd (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Eastern Michigan University, kjudd2@emich.edu;