Soil was collected in 2002–2003 from a cienega in southeastern Arizona to assess species present as seeds in the soil seedbank. In 2002, dominant vegetation was bulrush (Schoenoplectus pungens). Due to drought-related drying of the marsh and other hydrological changes, vegetation at the study site subsequently shifted to a monoculture of upland sunflower (Helianthus annuus). In greenhouse experiments, a total of 20 species germinated from the seedbank soil. The most abundant germinants were bulrush, cattail (Typha domingensis), and spikerush (Eleocharis macrostachya). The endangered Huachuca water umbel (Lilaeopsis schaffneriana ssp. recurva) germinated in several of the samples and additional seeds were present in the soil. A decline in total density of seeds occurred over the course of the study, probably due to loss of wetland species. Species composition of the seedbank and standing vegetation were not correlated, which is a common result in studies of seedbanks. If hydrology is restored, we predict many of the wetland species will germinate and recolonize the area, although this is limited by duration of seed viability. Thus, management of the wetland should include examination of current hydrology as soon as possible if natural reestablishment of wetland species, particularly Huachuca water umbel, is desired.
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1 September 2008
Seedbank Of Bingham Cienega, A Spring-Fed Marsh In Southeastern Arizona
Jonathan H. Titus,
Priscilla J. Titus
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The Southwestern Naturalist
Vol. 53 • No. 3
September 2008
Vol. 53 • No. 3
September 2008