Trampling by cattle negatively impacts invasive yellow-flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) under flooded conditions
Date
2020
Authors
Stoneburner, Alexandra L., author
Meiman, Paul J., advisor
Ocheltree, Troy W., advisor
Nissen, Scott, committee member
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Abstract
Yellow-Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus L.) is a non-native, invasive wetland plant in North America that disrupts riparian ecosystem processes. Due to its physiological and morphological characteristics, I. pseudacorus has the capacity to exclude native vegetation and form extensive monocultures in both lotic and lentic wetland systems. Methods commonly used to manage I. pseudacorus infestations include manual and mechanical treatments for small populations and chemical treatment for larger populations. While these management techniques are often effective, options can be restricted by the biotic and abiotic conditions of a given site. For example, there are situations where chemical treatments near waterways (i.e. close to irrigation water diversions) may be prohibited due to label restrictions. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of cattle trampling for reducing I. pseudacorus prevalence in riparian habitats. A field study was established on a ranch in northwest Nebraska to evaluate cattle trampling effects on I. pseudacorus density and height after two consecutive years of treatment. In a complementary greenhouse study, the effects of inundation and two different timings of simulated trampling on I. pseudacorus density, height, and rhizome stress (as measured by soluble sugar concentration) were also evaluated. No statistical differences in soluble sugar concentrations were observed among treatments; however, these data suggest that cattle trampling will reduce I. pseudacorus density and height at both timings, but trampling plus inundation was the most effective treatment combination.
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Subject
invasive aquatic plant
non-structural carbohydrates
yellow-flag iris
Iris pseudacorus
cattle trampling
riparian