Elevated micro-topography boosts growth rates in Salicornia procumbens by amplifying a tidally driven oxygen pump: implications for natural recruitment and restoration

• DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcz137
• Publication Date: 2019-08-16T19:21:10Z
• Authors: Gregory S Fivash; Jim van Belzen; Ralph J M Temmink; Karin Didderen; Wouter Lengkeek; Tjisse van der Heide; Tjeerd J Bouma
• Keywords: Mesocosm; Salt marsh; Elevation (ballistics)

Abstract Background and Aims The growth rate of pioneer species is known to be a critical component determining recruitment success marsh seedlings on tidal flats. By accelerating growth, recruits can reach larger size at an earlier date, which reduces the length disturbance-free window required for successful establishment. Therefore, pursuit natural mechanisms that accelerate rates local scale may lead better understanding circumstances under new establishment occurs, suggest insights with perform restoration. This study explores how why changes in sediment elevation modify recruiting salt pioneers. Methods A mesocosm experiment was designed annual Salicornia procumbens grown over series raised, flat lowered surfaces, variety inundation regimes vertically draining or un-draining sediment. Additional physical tests quantified effects these treatments water-logging oxygen dynamics, including use planar optode experiment. Key Results In this study, micro-topography by 2 cm overwhelming driver plant rates. Seedlings grew average 25 % faster raised represented significant increase when compared other groups. Changes aligned well amplifying effect beds tidally episodic oxygenation process wherein pore spaces were refreshed oxygen-rich water onset high tide. Conclusions Overall, present suggests driven pump as explanation commonly observed patterns near drainage channels atop mounds reveals promising way forward promote pioneers field.