Effects of Fertilization on Grasshopper Grazing of Northern Gulf of Mexico Salt Marshes
نویسنده
چکیده
Grazing frequency, grazing intensity, plant health, and grazer abundances were examined under two different fertilization regimes and compared to unfertilized areas of Juncus roemerianus (black needlerush) marsh. These measurements were taken in three separate sites: two low elevation sites and one high elevation site. Fertilizer was added over one grazing season (April–August) with measurements taken over the same time period at each site. In general, grazing frequency and intensity was higher in the fertilized treatments than unfertilized treatment; however, plant health was similar among treatments. Relative grazer abundance was higher in the fertilized treatments than unfertilized. From these results, it can be suggested that black needlerush grazers preferentially congregate and graze in areas of marsh with higher nutrient content in the leaves. However, the effects of this increased grazing on plant health (leaf lengths, biomass, and percent living biomass) were small after one grazing season. This information furthers our understanding of the potential effects of anthropogenic eutrophication on salt marshes and can be used by managers focusing on conservation and restoration of black needlerush.
منابع مشابه
Short Papers and Notes
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