Abstract
AbstractYellow-flag iris (Iris pseudacorus L.) is a nonnative, invasive wetland plant that disrupts riparian ecosystem processes and is widely distributed across the United States and Canada. 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 include manual (e.g., hand pulling, digging) and mechanical (e.g., mowing) treatments for small populations and herbicide applications for larger populations; however, herbicide applications near water may be prohibited due to label restrictions. The objective of this research was to evaluate cattle trampling as a nonchemical method to reduce I. pseudacorus in riparian habitats. A greenhouse study was conducted to investigate the effects of inundation and two different timings of simulated trampling on I. pseudacorus density, height, and soluble sugar concentrations in the rhizomes. A complementary field demonstration was established on a ranch in northwestern Nebraska to evaluate cattle trampling effects on I. pseudacorus density and height after two consecutive years. Simulated cattle trampling in the greenhouse had no effect on I. pseudacorus density or height of non-inundated samples. However, combining trampling with inundation reduced I. pseudacorus density from a median of 10 I. pseudacorus per pot to 0 I. pseudacorus per pot and median height from 0.35 m to 0 m by the conclusion of the study. Additionally, the field demonstration resulted in reductions of both density and height of I. pseudacorus after two consecutive years (72% and 67% reduction, respectively). Soluble sugar concentrations were not impacted by any treatment.
Highlights
Rangeland riparian and wetland systems play a critical role in supporting ecosystem functions in what are largely arid and semiarid landscapes
Riparian and wetland systems are susceptible to disruption by stressors, such as invasive species (Zedler and Kercher 2004), which can displace native flora, form monotypic stands, and alter the morphological characteristics of infested waterways (Gervazoni et al 2020; Morgan et al 2018; Spaak 2016)
The aesthetic appeal of the flowers has prompted I. pseudacorus to be planted as an ornamental outside its native range (Gervazoni et al 2020; USDA-APHIS 2013)
Summary
Rangeland riparian and wetland systems play a critical role in supporting ecosystem functions in what are largely arid and semiarid landscapes. These areas rely heavily on the maintenance of appropriate hydrological and geomorphic characteristics required to support desirable flora and fauna (Goodwin et al 1997; Silverman et al 2019). Riparian and wetland invasive species may impact agricultural operations by clogging irrigation infrastructure, altering the timing and dependability of water available for irrigation, and reducing the prevalence of desirable forage on the landscape (Gervazoni et al 2020; Jacobs et al 2011; USDA-APHIS 2013). The species has been listed as a noxious weed in Montana and Washington; a designated weed
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