Abstract
Transpiration, leaf conductance, net photosynthesis, leaf growth, above-ground biomass and regeneration of new culms were studied in a rapidly subsiding Spartina alterniflora Lois. salt marsh following the addition at 47 and 94 Kg m−2 of new sediment. Plant growth was enhanced in response to sediment addition as was evident by a significant increase in leaf area, above-ground biomass production and regeneration of new culms (p ≤ 0.05). Leaf conductance and transpiration rates were significantly greater in sediment treated plants than in control plants (p ≤ 0.05). Enhanced production of culms per unit area of marsh resulted in increased leaf area which allowed a greater capacity for net photosynthesis and contributed to increases in above-ground biomass of sediment treated plots.
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Pezeshki, S.R., DeLaune, R.D. & Pardue, J.H. Sediment addition enhances transpiration and growth of Spartina alterniflora in deteriorating Louisiana Gulf Coast salt marshes. Wetlands Ecol Manage 1, 185–189 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00244923
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00244923