Translocation and population establishment of Schoenus scabripes (Cyperaceae)

Abstract

Coastal ecosystems are under increasing pressure from land clearing along the east coast of Australia. Methods to mitigate the impacts of land clearing are needed, particularly for locally uncommon plants. In addition, there are significant knowledge gaps about cultivation methods for many wet-heath sedges. Translocation via salvage and relocation of plant populations is often the only viable ex situ, last-resort conservation option for populations threatened by clearing. We aimed to determine if translocation was an effective method for relocating a wild population of Schoenus scabripes, and how the use of organic mulch or a nitrogen-fixing companion plant affected survival, growth and nutrient concentrations of nursery-grown S. scabripes plants. Whole-plant translocation of S. scabripes plants was effective, with 62% survival at 50 months after installation. Survival of translocated nursery-grown plants was 35% at 27 months after installation. Organic mulch improved survival and health of field-established plants; however, companion plants did not improve plant health or survival. Stem and leaf winter potassium concentrations for mulched plants were significantly higher than for other treatments. Our case study demonstrated two establishment techniques for S. scabripes and suggested that whole-plant translocation of mature clumps is more effective than field establishment of nursery-grown plants.