Environmental Engineering Reference
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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.
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