Intraspecific competition in common coastal dune grasses overshadows facilitation on the dune face

Restoration of degraded dunes through revegetation native dune building species is critical to preserve multiple ecosystem services (i.e., coastal protection, habitat). As exhibit high levels abiotic stress, it likely that facilitative interactions among plants occur, reducing stress caused by harsh conditions, and benefiting restoration efforts. The research was determine how plant spatial arrangement (clumped vs. dispersed) at the slope affects growth two dominant grasses along United States Atlantic coast, Ammophila breviligulata (American beachgrass) Uniola paniculata (sea oats). We determined local distribution density each field surveys inform a manipulative study planting assess survival under different arrangements. Planting did not influence U. paniculata, but dispersed plantings had positive effect on parameters (height, stem number, ramet number), compared clumped arrangement. No A. survived end second season, regardless Clumped arrangements improve or over growing seasons studied; thus, creating may be necessary for However, observing natural patterns using this information guide beneficial as climate change impact results due increased stress. Further focusing biotic locations will contribute planning.