FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Scirpus validus | Soft-Stem Bulrush 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Fire topkills soft-stem bulrush stands [13] and reduces shoot mass of
Scirpus species [27].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
The effects of fire on wetland plants after drawdowns in Utah's Great
Salt Lake Marsh were studied [27].  On burned sites new shoots had a
lower biomass per inch of length than shoots on unburned sites.


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Soft-stem bulrush sprouts from rhizomes following fire [27].

Fire increases protein content of Scirpus acutus, a closely related
species [33].  Wetland vertebrates may select certain marsh plant
species due to protein increases following fire [27].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
Prescribed fires were lit in early September following April drawdowns
in the Great Salt Lake Marsh [27].  No distininction was made between S.
validus and S. acutus in this study.  Both were referred to as S.
lacustris. Burned and unburned sites were reflooded 1 week following
fire.  Stands of bulrush on burned sites were similar to those on
unburned sites during the first year.  Bulrush began sprouting
immediately following fire, growing to a height of 1.3 feet (0.4 m)
before the first winter.  Production did not differ between sites.

Waterfowl and muskrats can reduce soft-stem bulrush through overgrazing,
especially following fire [27].


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 

Related categories for Species: Scirpus validus | Soft-Stem Bulrush