Salt marsh vegetation change in response to tidal restriction [Connecticut]

The impact of tidal restriction by tide gates and associated structures on the vegetation of 6 Connecticut salt marshes was studied. Vegetation patterns of unrestricted and restricted marshes were mapped. Continuous peat profiles were taken. The difference in tidal range between unrestricted and res...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental management (New York) 1984-01, Vol.8 (2), p.141-150
Main Authors: ROMAN, C. T, NIERING, W. A, WARREN, R. S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Biological and medical sciences
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Particular ecosystems
Synecology
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Summary:The impact of tidal restriction by tide gates and associated structures on the vegetation of 6 Connecticut salt marshes was studied. Vegetation patterns of unrestricted and restricted marshes were mapped. Continuous peat profiles were taken. The difference in tidal range between unrestricted and restricted marshes was estimated. Soil water salinity and depth to water table were measured. The installation of a restriction structure reduced daily high water level flooding, lowering the water table level and reducing soil water salinity, resulting in a vegetation change. The restriction of the normal tidal prism often converted a Spartina dominated marsh to a Phragmites dominated marsh. The general sequence of vegetation change was developed. Initial invaders to newly restricted marshes were Solidago, Iva and Erechtites. Marsh restoration measures, such as installing self-regulating tide gates, reduced Phragmites height and density within one year.
ISSN:0364-152X
1432-1009
DOI:10.1007/BF01866935