Factors Associated with Growth of Wild Rice in Northern Saskatchewan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14430/arctic2329Keywords:
Plant growth, Plant-soil relationships, Plant-water relationships, Wild rice, La Ronge region, Saskatchewan, NorthernAbstract
Six growth measurements of wild rice (Zizania aquatica L.) were made in 17 stands near La Ronge, northern Saskatchewan. Sediment depth, water depth, and 19 substrate chemical factors were measured. Panicle development was primarily related to available P, pH, and concentrations of Na, Ca, Zn, soluble K, Cu, Mn, SO4, Cl, and Fe in the sediment. It was also related to water and substrate depths. Shoot length was related to water and mud depths. Shoot weight was related to substrate mud depth, and to the concentration of soil Ca and Mn. Changes in the chemical composition of sediment may have been the cause for decreased production of wild rice. Substrate properties may be useful for identifying potential seeding sites for wild rice.
Key words: wild rice, Zizania, northern Saskatchewan
