Plant invasion on upland dredged material.

Date

1981

Authors

Webb, J.W.
Dodd, J.D.
Koerth, B.H.

Journal Title

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Abstract

Plant invasion of fertilized and non-fertilized plots on sandy dredged material was monitored for 1.5 yr. The site was established on an area of dredged material with 0.7% slope on Bolivar Peninsula, TX. along Galveston Bay. Species distribution appeared to be controlled by elevation. During the first year the number of species and total density were greatest in the highest elevation, followed by the middle, and finally the lowest tier. During the second year density was greatest in the lowest elevation tier. When plant invasion was determined by elevation zones, the greatest number of invading species occurred at the middle elevations (1.06-1.22 m) but the highest density occurred at the lowest elevations. Ambrosia psilostachya, Scirpus americanus, and Cyperus esculentus were the most abundant species at the end of both the first and second growing seasons. The density of invading plants in fertilized plots was greater than in the unfertilized plots. However, plant density in each fertilizer treatment varied by elevation.

Description

p. 169-183.

Keywords

dredge spoil, vegetation cover, fertilizers, ecological distribution, Ambrosia psilostachya, Scirpus americanus, Cyperus esculentus, habitat improvement

Citation