Secondary Succession Following Extended Inundation of Texas Coastal Rangeland

Abstract

Periodic tropical storms may cause large areas of Texas coastal rangeland to be inundated for several years. The range sites usually support Acacia-Prosopis communities prior to flooding with herbaceous vegetation dominated by several species of Setaria. Following extended inundation with fresh water, secondary succession proceeds from a sedge-sodgrass stage through a sodgrass-bunchgrass stage to a bunchgrass stage. Longtom (Paspalum lividum Torr.) initially stabilizes the areas as free-standing water withdraws, followed by common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) as the surfaces dry. Sprangletops (Leptochloa spp.) are among the earliest desirable species to appear during succession, followed by species of Trichloris and Eragrostis. In many cases, spike dropseed (Sporobolus contractus Hitchc.) forms a stable vegetation stage on the areas. Although highly productive, periodic prescribed burning is required for effective utilization of the spike dropseed.