Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 3. A lakeshore marsh stand.
3.1.4. Alkali Reed
Alkali reed is typical in areas with high and often permanent water cover but
characterised by only low salinity. This type is common in alkali marsh systems, but
occasionally it is connected to sodic lakes. Alkali reed stands consist of several vegetation
layers. The first layer is always formed by
Phragmites australis
. The second layer is formed
by salt-tolerant rather tall monocots, such as
Bolboschoenus
spp.,
Schoenoplectus
tabernaemontani
and
Agrostis stolonifera
. Occasionally
Carex melanostachya
, a typical
sedge species of alkali landscapes, forms dense secondary layer in alkali reed stands.
Compared to other alkali marshes, alkali reeds are rich in forb species, such as
Epilobium
tetragonum, Galium palustre
,
Lycopus
spp.,
Rumex palustris, Sparganium erectum
and
Symphytum officinale.
Given their permanent water cover, aquatic plants, such as
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, Lemna
spp.,
Salvinia natans
and
Utricularia
spp
.
are often
present with high cover scores. In some cases species of non-alkali marshes, such as
Glyceria
maxima
and
Typha
spp. occur in alkali reeds with low cover scores (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Alkali reed stand.