Effects of increased elevation and macro- and micronutrient additions onSpartina alterniflora transplant success in salt-marsh dieback areas in Louisiana |
| |
Authors: | Brian J Wilsey Karen L Mckee Irving A Mendelssohn |
| |
Institution: | (1) Wetland Biogeochemistry Institute Center for Wetland Resources, Louisiana State University, 70803 Baton Rouge, Louisiana;(2) Present address: Department of Biology, Biological Research Laboratories, Syracuse University, 13244-1220 Syracuse, New York, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Spartina alterniflora was transplanted into dieback areas of a salt marsh in southeast Louisiana at two elevations (ambient and +30 cm) with and
without macro- (N, P, and K) and micronutrient (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) additions to determine if transplant success is dependent
on increasing elevation or nutrients.Spartina alterniflora transplanted into elevated plots had more than twice the above- and belowground biomass as compared to nonelevated plots
after three months of growth. Additionally, there was significantly more vegetative reproduction (greater culm density and
number of newly produced culms) in elevated plots as compared to plots at ambient elevation. Macronutrient additions increased
culm densities only in elevated plots.Spartina alterniflora transplanted into nonelevated plots had lower survival rates even when transplants received nutrient additions. These results
suggest thatS. alterniflora may be transplanted successfully into degraded salt-marsh areas if elevation is increased. The addition of nutrients without
a concomitant increase in elevation is not sufficient for transplant success. |
| |
Keywords: | Wetland ecology Marsh restoration Fertilization Salt marshes Spartina alterniflora Louisiana |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|