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Relationships of salt-marsh plant distributions to tidal levels in Connecticut, USA

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Abstract

A three-year study of Connecticut, USA, salt-marsh vegetation was undertaken to determine the relationship of its distribution on the marsh surface to tidal levels, particularly mean high water (MHW) as measured on each of three sites representing different tidal amplitudes. Elevations and species present were measured on 1-m2 grids in 10x 70-m belt transects at each site. After the data were subjected to discriminant analysis and other standard statistical procedures, the results showed that 98.4% of all observations ofSpartina alterniflora Loisel. occurred at or below MHW. The data can aid in salt-marsh restoration by offering a reliable indicator of what species should be planted when restored elevations and on-site MHW are known.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, U-42, University of Connecticut, 06268, Storrs, Connecticut, USA

    Michael Wm. Lefor

  2. Laboratory for Remote Sensing Department of Renewable Natural Resources, U-87 College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, 06268, Storrs, Connecticut, USA

    William C. Kennard & Daniel L. Civco

Authors
  1. Michael Wm. Lefor
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  2. William C. Kennard
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  3. Daniel L. Civco
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Lefor, M.W., Kennard, W.C. & Civco, D.L. Relationships of salt-marsh plant distributions to tidal levels in Connecticut, USA. Environmental Management 11, 61–68 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01867180

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01867180

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