Early flotant establishment and growth dynamics in a nutrient amended wetland in the lower Mississippi River delta

Identifier

etd-11082007-155709

Author

Caleb W. Izdepski, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical CollegeFollow

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Oceanography and Coastal Sciences

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Nutrient dynamics and seasonal marsh growth were examined in a newly formed Panicum virgatum floating marsh at Thibodaux LA. The floating marsh formed in a cleared area of forested wetland receiving secondarily treated effluent. Net Areal Primary Productivity (NAPP), total belowground biomass, NO₃, and δ¹⁵N ratios varied significantly (P <0.05) along a 75m marsh transect while mean δ¹³C varied between plant species. The upland end of the transect had the highest NAPP (3876 g m^-2y^-1), total belowground biomass (4079.0 ± 298.5 g m^-2), and mean NO₃ (5.4 ± 2.9 mg l^-1). The mean floating-marsh δ¹⁵N of H. umbellata was less enriched at 0-75 m (9.69 ± 1.9‰) compared to 100-200 m (20.99 ± 3.8‰). The δ¹³C of the belowground peat mat of the floating marsh was similar to P. virgatum but not H. umbellata, indicating that P. virgatum was forming the mat. There was a significant decrease in NAPP, total belowground biomass, NO₃ and δ¹⁵N enrichment across the 75 m transect. Nutrient availability affected NAPP and δ¹⁵N. Floating marsh NAPP in the 0-45 m was greater than most reported values for floating marsh. These results suggest that nutreint rich freshwater can promote restoration of floating marshes.

Date

2007

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Recommended Citation

Izdepski, Caleb W., "Early flotant establishment and growth dynamics in a nutrient amended wetland in the lower Mississippi River delta" (2007). LSU Master's Theses. 683.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/683

Committee Chair

John W. Day, Jr.

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.683