<
https://theconversation.com/the-common-raupo-once-kept-nzs-wetlands-and-lakes-thriving-now-it-could-help-restore-them-238887>
"With about 90% of New Zealand’s natural wetlands drained or severely damaged
during the past decades, we need to understand the role of native plants in the
restoration of these important habitats.
Our new research details the history of raupō (bulrush) from the time before
people arrived in Aotearoa. It shows this resilient, opportunistic plant – and
taonga species – can play an important role restoring wetlands and freshwater
quality.
An unexpected finding was that the decline of freshwater quality in many lakes
did not really kick in until the mid-20th century with intensification of
agriculture. Until then, lake water quality indicators generally showed these
ecosystems remained healthy. The prolific expansion of raupō after Aotearoa was
first settled may have helped.
Thriving on material washed from disturbed catchments, raupō acted as an
ecological buffer, intercepting nutrients and sediments, and reducing
potentially harmful effects on freshwater ecosystems.
From the mid-20th century, as water quality began to deteriorate, raupō
populations – and any buffering effects – were generally in decline as
wetlands and lake shallows were drained for grazing land and better access to
water supply.
Lessons from this plant’s past can be put to good use today as we strive to
bring back the mauri (life force) of our freshwater systems."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
