Thesis by Gretchen C. Coffman (2007)

Giant reed, Arundo donax L., is one of the greatest threats to riparian ecosystems of Mediterranean-type climate regions, including California. Forming extensive monotypic stands, A. donax increases the risks of flooding and fire, uses prodigious amounts of water, and reduces habitat value for wildlife. Urban and agricultural development adjacent to riparian ecosystems may contribute to its invasion success. The main hypothesis of my dissertation is that the current abundance of nutrients, water, light, and fire in riparian ecosystems of Mediterranean-type climate promotes A. donax invasion...

This full thesis is now available in the Watershed Knowledge Base.