Salt marsh canopy architecture differs with the number and composition of species
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Published source details
Keer G.H. & Zedler J.B. (2002) Salt marsh canopy architecture differs with the number and composition of species. Ecological Applications, 12, 456-473.
Published source details Keer G.H. & Zedler J.B. (2002) Salt marsh canopy architecture differs with the number and composition of species. Ecological Applications, 12, 456-473.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Directly plant non-woody plants: brackish/saline wetlands Action Link |
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Directly plant non-woody plants: brackish/saline wetlands
A replicated, randomized, paired, controlled study in 1997–2000 in an estuary in California, USA (Keer & Zedler 2002) found that plots planted with salt marsh vegetation typically contained more canopy layers and taller vegetation than unplanted plots, after four growing seasons. In three of three comparisons, planted plots had more canopy layers (2.1–2.8) than unplanted plots (1.7). Plots planted with three or six species had a greater maximum vegetation height (53–56 cm) than unplanted plots (41 cm). Plots planted with only one species had a similar vegetation height (46 cm) to the unplanted plots. The study also reported data from planted plots after two growing seasons. Plots planted with multiple species had greater overall vegetation cover, more canopy layers and a greater maximum vegetation height than plots planted with single species – but a similar average vegetation height (see original paper for data). Methods: In spring 1997, eight salt marsh herbs/succulents were planted into recently reprofiled intertidal sediment. In each of five areas, 14 random 4-m2 plots were planted with 90 greenhouse-reared seedlings (eight single-species plots, three three-species plots, three six-species plots) and three random plots were left unplanted. The planting areas had recently been excavated, amended with fine sediment, tilled and levelled. Non-planted vegetation was cleared from all plots during the first two growing seasons (1997–1998), but was left to grow from the third (1999–1998). Vegetation was surveyed using transects and point quadrats, in autumn 1997–2000. This study was based on the same experimental set-up as (13), (15) and (16).
(Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)
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