Adaptation: Alkali bulrush is found at low to mid elevations in marshes, transient wet spots, pond margins, and backwater areas. It forms large dense stands in alkaline or saline sites. It can handle a pH of up to 9.0. It will grow on soils from fine clay to silt loam to sand. It can survive periods of total inundation of up to 1 m deep. It tends to spread and reproduce when the water table is within 10 cm of the surface. It can occur in freshwater sites, but is usually a pioneering species that will be replaced over time with more permanent species. Seed and rhizome growth spread it. It is fairly resistant to fire, which will increase its production and protein content.
Seed Collection: Seed ripens in late August to October. Seeds are held tightly in the seedhead, which means the collection time can be extended. Seeds may be collected by hand stripping the seed from the plant or clipping it using a pair of hand shears. A power seed harvester may also be used. The bracts, which are found in the seed heads, are very irritating to the skin. Gloves and protective eye ware should be worn, especially when using a power seed harvester.
Seed Cleaning: The hammermill is used to break up the large debris and knock the seed loose from the stem. Cleaning can be accomplished using a seed cleaner with a No. 8 round top screen and a 1/8-inch bottom screen. Screens should be sized so desired seed will fall through and debris and weed seed are removed. Air velocity should be adjusted so chaff is blown away. Air flow and screen size may require adjustment to optimize cleaning process for given situation.
Propagation: Stratifying the seed in a mixture of water and sphagnum moss at 2°C for 30 days may enhance the germination rate. Seed viability is quite high if stored properly for up to 20 years.
Within the greenhouse, seeds need light, moisture, and heat for germination. Place seeds on surface of soil and press in lightly to assure good soil contact. Do not cover seed. Soil should be kept moist. The greenhouse should be kept hot (32°C to 38°C). Germination should begin with in about one week. Maintain moisture until plants are to be transplanted.
Wild plants for transplant can be collected and transplanted directly into the desired site. As long as no more than 4 dm2 is removed from any 1-m2 area, the hole will fill in within one growing season. Care should be taken not to collect plants from weedy areas, as these weeds can be relocated to the transplant site, and the hole left at the collection site may fill with undesirable species.
Planting: Planting plugs (either from the greenhouse or wild transplants) is the surest way to establish a new stand of this species. Plug spacing of 30 to 45 cm will fill in within one growing season. Soil should be kept saturated. It can handle from 5-8 cm of standing water during the establishment year. Fluctuating the water level during the establishment period is essential. Water levels can be managed to enhance spread and control weeds.
Maintenance: Plants can tolerate up to 1 m of standing water for short periods of time. Typically, the water will be high in the spring and decrease throughout the growing season to within 1 m of the surface in the fall. This species can tolerate periods of drought and total inundation. Water levels can be managed to enhance or reduce spread as well as control terrestrial weeds.
Environmental Concerns: Generally, insects and disease are not a problem. If an insect or disease problem is encountered in the greenhouse, treat as you would for any other type plant.