Survival and Growth of Planted Uniola paniculata and Dune Building Using Surrogate Wrack on Perdido Key Florida, U.S.A.

• DOI: 10.1111/rec.12129
• Publication Date: 2014-07-15T16:50:41Z
• Authors: Natalie Hooton; Deborah L. Miller; Mack Thetford; B. Sean Claypool
• Keywords: Tiller (botany); Growing season

Abstract The increasing number of stresses on coastal dune ecosystems requires the use more effective restoration strategies to enhance dune‐building and increase vegetation reestablishment. In this study, a wheat straw as surrogate wrack was an method improve growth spring planted Uniola paniculata (sea oats). Approximately 1,000 U. plugs were within 21 × 4 m plots at six replicate sites. Two weeks later, plantings divided into 11 subplots with half receiving five bales remaining no straw. This layer measured approximately 10 cm in depth. Mean aboveground biomass 6 months after planting 9.25 ± 1.00 g compared 2.18 0.24 without wrack. Number tillers, tiller height, basal width also greater end first growing season for plants treated ( p < 0.05). years planting, significantly inflorescences occurred (g/m 2 ) than Sand accumulation notably (11.16 cm) (7.78 8 = 0.1093). However, relative sand planting. Increased suggests either directly or indirectly traps by creating additional obstacle promoting grasses.