Premium
Growth Response of Two Sedges Inhabiting a Radioactive Waste Disposal Area
Author(s) -
Plummer G. L.,
Crossley D. A.,
Gardiner D. A.
Publication year - 1965
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1936342
Subject(s) - edaphic , carex , ecology , perennial plant , environmental science , biology , soil water
An observed increase in the size of the inflorescences of two sedges inhabiting a radioactive waste disposal area is correlated with the complex interaction between various edaphic factors that contribute to plant growth and an "effect" of ionizing radiation. The perennial sedges, Carex frankii and Carex vulpinoidea, tolerate a continuous dose rate generally in excess of 2 R/day at ground level. Although radiation has been associated with excessive plant growth, it is not entirely independent of other factors, such as the combined contribution of potassium and organic matter, soil pH, calcium, as well as other unmeasured edaphic conditions.