HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (83) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by DeLaune, R.D. Articles by Patrick, W.H. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by DeLaune, R.D. Articles by Patrick, W.H., Jr. Agricola Articles by DeLaune, R.D. Articles by Patrick, W.H.

Relationship of Marsh Elevation, Redox Potential, and Sulfide to Spartina alterniflora Productivity¹

ABSTRACT

Data presented suggests that the short height form of Spartina alterniflora observed in inland areas of Louisiana Gulf Coast marshes is caused by toxic concentrations of sulfide, a result of slightly lower elevation and subsequently lower sediment redox potential than the adjacent productive streamside marsh. It is speculated that sulfide may limit growth by preventing nitrogen uptake and root development. Total sulfide concentrations as high as 250 µg g^–1 of sediment and free sulfide concentrations in the order of 150 µg g^–1 were found in the inland sediment. The inland sediment contained higher NH⁺₄-N concentrations at depth than the streamside sediment. The higher NH⁺₄-N concentrations closely paralleled the increasing sulfide concentrations and was inversely related to rooting depth. Maximum NH⁺₄-N concentrations of 60 and 16 µg N g^–1 of dry soil was observed in the inland and streamside sediment, respectively. Redox potential was higher at the surface sediment of the more productive streamside marsh compared to the adjoining inland marsh. The higher redox potential is mainly due to the higher elevation of the streamside area that permitted greater drainage. This in turn allowed the development of more oxidized sediment containing lower sulfide levels. Observed differences in salinity and plant-dissolved nutrients were not great enough to restrict plant growth.

¹ Contribution from the Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-7511.

² Research Associate, Assistant Professor, and Boyd Professor, Laboratory for Wetland Soils and Sediments, Center for Wetland Resources, Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge, LA 70803-7511.

Received for publication January 27, 1983. Accepted for publication May 10, 1983.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				C. A. Johnston, S. D. Bridgham, and J. P. Schubauer-Berigan Nutrient Dynamics in Relation to Geomorphology of Riverine Wetlands Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J., March 1, 2001; 65(2): 557 - 577. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. Williams, M. V. Meads, and D. A. Sauerbrey The roles of seedling salt tolerance and resprouting in forest zonation on thewest coast of Florida, USA Am. J. Botany, December 1, 1998; 85(12): 1745 - 1752. [Abstract] [Full Text]