Functional dynamics of vegetated model patches: The minimum patch size effect for canopy restoration

For the past two centuries coastal zones have been suffering seagrass loss resulting in a network of vegetated patches which are barely interconnected and may compromise ecological services provided by canopy. To optimize management efforts for successful restoration strategies, questions need to be addressed about what appropriate canopy architectural considerations required under certain hydrodynamic conditions. In this study, set laboratory experiments were conducted conditions, plant densities patch lengths varied determine minimum strategies. Based on TKE production, study finds possible behaviours seagrasses oscillating flows: one where plants do not interact with flow other they waves produce TKE. A threshold from first second behaviour occurs CD−Patchnd221−ϕ13Uw = 2, CD is drag patch, n number stems per m2, d stem diameter ϕ solid fraction. Therefore, high densities, large vegetation or moderate wave velocities will plant-wave interaction, whereas low small slow akin non-vegetated cases.