Herbivore effects on plant species density at varying productivity levels
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Authors: L. Gough, and J. B. Grace
Date: 1998
Journal: Ecology
Volume: 79
Number: 5
Pages: 1586-1594
Summary of Methods: In this study, Gough and Grace studied plant community responses to fertilization and herbivory in Louisiana brackish and freshwater marshes. Species density was greater in plots that were grazed because grazing pressure limited the ability of dominant plants to outcompete other plants and reduce plant community diversity. Biomass was greatest in plots that were fertilized, suggesting that plant growth is limited by the nutrient availability in these marshes. These results indicate that grazing can enhance productivity and species diversity of brackish and freshwater marshes in Louisiana when nutrients are abundant, however, the author suggests that the effects of herbivory may not be as beneficial when nutrients are limiting.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: biomass, coastal marsh, diversity, fertilization, herbivory, nutria, myocastor coypus, nutrients, productivity, sagittaria lancifolia, scirpus americanus, spartina patens, species diversity
Annotation: Grazing intensity is not specified.
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