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Photosynthesis in Wetlands

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The Wetland Book

Abstract

Several environmental factors influence plant photosynthetic process in wetlands, thus, affecting growth, productivity, and overall wetland functioning. Assessment of photosynthetic functioning is critical to the understanding of the range, threshold, and optimal conditions for plant growth in wetlands. In most wetlands, flooding is the predominant environmental factor although in certain wetlands other factors such as periodic drought, salinity, and temperature extremes may also affect plants. This paper focuses on photosynthetic responses to changes in wetland conditions following flooding events. Soil flooding leads to soil anoxia that is accompanied by production of many soil substances, known to be harmful to plants. As a result, wetland plants may suffer periodic stresses leading to physiological dysfunctions and reduced photosynthesis. The contribution of these soil compounds to the overall photosynthetic reductions, as well as plant response mechanisms involved are discussed. Also, additional key references on the topic are provided.

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References

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA

    S. Reza Pezeshki

Authors
  1. S. Reza Pezeshki
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Correspondence to S. Reza Pezeshki .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW, Australia

    C. Max Finlayson

  2. International Water Security Network, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK

    Mark Everard

  3. UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, Delft, The Netherlands

    Kenneth Irvine

  4. RM Wetlands and Environment Ltd., Littleworth, Oxfordshire, UK

    Robert J. McInnes

  5. U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Lafayette, LA, USA

    Beth A. Middleton

  6. Aquatic Ecosystems Group, Department of Water Science and Engineering, UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, Delft, The Netherlands

    Anne A. van Dam

  7. Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW, Australia

    Nick C. Davidson

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Pezeshki, S.R. (2018). Photosynthesis in Wetlands. In: Finlayson, C.M., et al. The Wetland Book. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9659-3_64

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