Impact of habitat conditions on the biological traits of the reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the morphology, and selected aspects of biology (seed germination capacity, biomass productivity) of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) growing in two locations with different soil conditions near Wrocław. Habitat 1 was characterized by low to moderate contents of nutrients, slightly acidic pH, and low organic matter content in the soil, whereas habitat 2 had soil richer in nutrients, a neutral pH, and higher organic matter content. During the growing period, phytosociological relevés were taken and biometric measurements were performed. In controlled conditions, the germination rate and biomass productivity were estimated in the initial growth stage. The soil conditions that were more favorable for P. arundinacea growth (neutral pH, higher content of organic matter and nutrients) promoted its dominance, and substantially limited the occurrence of other taxa. The floristic composition in the less fertile habitat was considerably richer and the abundance of P. arundinacea was much lower in it, compared with the other location. Phalaris arundinacea plants growing on the nutrient-richer soil were higher and had longer leaf blades and panicles with a greater number of spikelets per panicle than specimens growing on the poorer soil. Seeds collected from plants growing on the more fertile soil exhibited greater germination capacity than seeds from plants originating from the poorer habitat. However, there were no differences in the quantity of biomass produced in the controlled conditions.