Relationship among Plant Functional Groups, Soil, and Moisture as Basis for Wetland Conservation

Fevziye Aslan, Ricardo Mata-González, David Eduardo Prado-Tarango (), Matthew Hovland, Jenessa Stemke and Carlos G. Ochoa
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Fevziye Aslan: Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Ricardo Mata-González: Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
David Eduardo Prado-Tarango: Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Matthew Hovland: Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Jenessa Stemke: College of Forestry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Carlos G. Ochoa: Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 19, 1-15

Abstract: This study characterized the relationship between plant species, soil, and moisture dynamics in the Willamette Valley (Oregon, USA) to obtain a base framework for wetland conservation and restoration. We identified 24 dominant plant species, including the exotic invasive Dipsacus fullonum , distributed throughout the wetland. Plant community analysis indicated that (1) soil moisture during the dry season (August to October) and (2) soil bulk density were the major abiotic drivers of plant community structure. Water potential measurements confirmed the community analysis. Juncus (rush) species appeared to be more tolerant to drought than other typical wetland species. Therefore, dryer conditions due to climate change or water diversion may favor rushes’ persistence. We also found that the dominance of D. fullonum may also negatively affect the native plant species’ survival, which highlights the need for proper management practices. To prevent further vegetation deterioration in sensitive wetland areas, we recommend avoiding hydric diversions to maintain the water supply, exploring manners of controlling invasive species, and preventing livestock grazing. The results of this study contribute to foundational and practical knowledge concerning the influence of soil conditions and moisture availability on the physiological response and distribution of wetland plant species that is required for conservation and management.

Keywords: ecohydrology; wetland dynamics; volumetric water content; water stress; species Juncus (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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