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Effects of stem density upon sediment retention by salt marsh cord grass, Spartina alterniflora loisel

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Abstract

A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine whether retention of waterborne sand by salt marsh cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora Loisel, is directly related to the number of stems per unit area. Waves generated in a trough washed over a sloping beach planted with S. alterniflora sprigs: a range of stem densities (0–108 stems/m2) was examined in separate trials. The amount of sand accumulated after 60 waves is a positive nonlinear function of stem density. The greatest accretion coincided with the highest stem density tested. Shape of the beach profile was also strongly influenced by the number of stems per m2.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, 22903, Charlottesville, Virginia

    Mark L. Gleason, Deborah A. Elmer & Natalie C. Pien

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina

    John S. Fisher

Authors
  1. Mark L. Gleason
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  2. Deborah A. Elmer
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  3. Natalie C. Pien
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  4. John S. Fisher
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Gleason, M.L., Elmer, D.A., Pien, N.C. et al. Effects of stem density upon sediment retention by salt marsh cord grass, Spartina alterniflora loisel. Estuaries 2, 271–273 (1979). https://doi.org/10.2307/1351574

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1351574

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