A field experiment to assess the transplant success of salt marsh plants into tidal wetlands

Published source details Thomsen D., Marsden I.D. & Sparrow A.D. (2005) A field experiment to assess the transplant success of salt marsh plants into tidal wetlands. Wetlands Ecology and Management, 13, 489-497.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Directly plant non-woody plants: brackish/saline wetlands Action Link

Directly plant non-woody plants: brackish/saline wetlands

A replicated, site comparison study in 1998 of a salt marsh near Christchurch, New Zealand (Thomsen et al. 2005) reported 0–100% survival of planted herbs after nine months, and that surviving plants had a similar biomass to those in a nearby natural marsh. Statistical significance was not assessed. Three-square bulrush Schoenoplectus pungens did not recover following the expected winter die-back, two months after planting. In contrast, 100% of planted wire rush Leptocarpus similis and 73% of planted sea rush Juncus maritimus were alive, but appeared stressed, after nine months. Surviving wire rush and sea rush had a dry above-ground biomass of 0.08–0.19 g/plant, compared to 0.12–0.22 g/plant in a nearby natural marsh. Methods: In March 1998, the three herb species were planted into thirty-six 0.25-m² plots (12 plots/species; four plants/plot) within an estuarine salt marsh. The plots started as bare sediment: half were re-filled with marsh mud and half were re-filled with treated sewage/industrial waste. Within each plot, two plants were sourced from a nearby marsh and two were nursery-reared. All plants were clipped to 20 cm height. Plots were regularly cleared of debris. Planted vegetation was monitored for up to nine months. Biomass was estimated from height measurements.

(Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)