The effects of nutria (Myocastor coypus) herbivory and neighbor competition were measured for three plant species planted in marsh areas with low, moderate, and high salinity levels. Nutria herbivory reduced biomass of all plant species in all marsh types, however, the impact of herbivory varied by plant species. Neighboring plants had positive and negative effects, depending on plant species and salt marsh type. However, when plants were grazed by nutria, all neighbor effects, positive and negative, were absent. The results of this study suggest that salinity and herbivory can affect competitive and symbiotic relationships among neighboring plants within these three salt marsh types.
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