The Effects of Relative Elevation on Wetland Plant Distribution at a Fallow Paddy Field in Oguraike Drained Land

Abstract

Oguraike drained land in Kyoto prefecture, Japan, had rich aquatic plant diversity before drainage. The purpose of this study was to consider possibility of restoring endangered wetland plants, and to reveal effect of subtle relative elevation on germination and growth of wetland plant species by conducting submergence test in a fallow paddy field. As a result, the possibility of restoring two endangered species, Rotala pusilla and Chara braunii, was demonstrated under the environment having water fluctuation. Six species frequently observed were analyzed by Generalized Additive Model. Subtle difference in relative elevation affected probability of occurrence for Lindernia sp., Ludwigia decurrens, Cyperus difformis and Leptochloa chinensis.