This study evaluated the effects of simulated herbivory on the ability of a freshwater marsh plant to recover from temporary saltwater intrusion such as can be caused by tropical storms. This experiment simulated nutria (Myocastor coypus) grazing. In this study, a major storm event was simulated by subjecting sods of Sagittaria lancifolia to 15% artificial seawater for a period of 1 week. In addition to the exposure of salt water, some plants were also subjected to both short-term and long-term flooding treatments of 20 cm, and to simulated herbivory (clipping). Sagittaria lancifolia biomass fully recovered from salt water and flooding. The experiment showed no long-term effects of herbivory on Sagittarialancifolia, except when combined with saltwater and flooding, which caused a die-off of the plants. The implications of this experiment is that heavy nutria grazing combined with a large storm event could cause wetland loss. The associated effects of herbivory and wetland reduction needs additional study.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.