Assessment of aquatic and terrestrial reed (Phragmites australis) stands

A survey of recent publications shows that research on Phragmites australish as often applied character because of the considerable ecological and economic significance of the species.The main applications are water treatment, agriculture (food production or weed control) and nature conservation. In Europe, most research on natural reed stands has been motivated by reed die-back and efforts towards protection or restoration. Reed progression and reed control have been the main concerns in other parts of the world, and reed progression has also received increasing attention in Europe. While reed die-back generally affects aquatic stands, progression can occur at both terrestrial and aquatic sites, and it can be desired (e.g. lake shore restoration) or unwanted (e.g. in species-rich fens or marshes). Therefore, reed stands need to be assessed individually to decide on management aims and appropriate methods. The varying status of Phragmites australis formed the background of the `European Reed Conference' held in Zürich/Switzerland in October 1998. The seven contributions published in this special issue are introduced with particular reference to differences between aquatic and terrestrial reed stands and to approaches used in their assessment.