A simple, inexpensive, and field-relevant microcosm tidal simulator for use in marsh macrophyte studies1
نویسندگان
چکیده
UNLABELLED PREMISE OF THE STUDY A microcosm unit with tidal simulation was developed to address the challenge of maintaining ecologically relevant tidal regimes while performing controlled greenhouse experiments on smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora. • METHODS AND RESULTS We designed a simple, inexpensive, easily replicated microcosm unit with tidal simulation and tested whether S. alterniflora growth in microcosms with tidal simulation was similar to that of tidally influenced plants in the field on Sapelo Island, Georgia. After three months of exposure to either natural or simulated tidal treatment, plants in microcosms receiving tidal simulation had similar stem density, height, and above- and belowground biomass to plants in field plots. • CONCLUSIONS The tidal simulator developed may provide an inexpensive, effective method for conducting studies on S. alterniflora and other tidally influenced plants in controlled settings to be used not only to complement field studies, but also in locations without coastal access.
منابع مشابه
Heavy metal and organic carbon fractionation in sodium pyrophosphate extracts of tidal marsh soils
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