Inverse salinity gradients in coastal marshes and the death of stands of Salix: The effects of grubbing by geese
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Authors: A. Iacobelli, and R. L. Jefferies
Date: 1991
Journal: Journal of Ecology
Volume: 79
Number: 1
Pages: 61-73
Summary of Methods: The effects of goose grubbing on willow habitat, leaf characteristics, and phenology were examined in the salt marshes of La Pérouse Bay in northern Manitoba (58° 56’ N, 93° 30’ W) as grubbing in the early spring removes the protective layer of vegetation and humus, degrading willow habitat. Soil temperature was compared at naturally grubbed sites with those from ungrubbed and barren peat sites. Soil water content and salinity were measured along three transects: not grubbed, naturally grubbed and half artificially grubbed. Willow leaf senescence and fall were also measured at both ungrubbed and grubbed (natural and artificial) sites. Finally tissue analyses were conducted to measure chloride, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in the leaves.
Article Summary / Main Points: Soils temperatures on grubbed sites were higher, with greater fluctuation, lower water content, and higher salinity than non-grubbed and barren peat sites. Willow leaves fell sooner and had higher sodium and chloride contents when the area around the willow was artificially grubbed. The willows exposed to natural and artificial grubbing died within 2 years, and the data collected also suggests an increase in freeze/thaw cycles and soil and water salinity caused by the lack of vegetation surrounding the willows most likely caused these plants to die.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: la perouse bay, simulated grubbing, lesser snow goose, chen caerulescens caerulescens, herbivory, salinity, soil water
Annotation: Goose grubbing during early spring causes increased soil temperatures and salinity. This study may be applicable to lower latitude marshes as well because of similar hydraulic processes when the ground around the base of the willow is disturbed.
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