This study was designed to isolate the differential effects of (1) herbivory, (2) competition of entangling vegetation, (3) nutrient augmentation, and (4) flood stress on growth rates of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) seedlings in southeastern Louisiana. A highly significant difference in diameter growth was shown for the main effect of relative elevation. Slower growth occurred at lower elevations. Seedlings that were protected with either Tubex or PVC, in contrast to the control and Tanglefoot, showed increased growth in diameter. When compared to Tubex, PVC behaved similarly. No difference in diameter was found between Tanglefoot and control treatments. In contrast, seedlings treated with Tanglefoot differed in height when compared to the control. This difference was attributable to nutria damage that only occurred above the Tanglefoot line, covering approximately 33% of the seedling height. Seedlings that received Osmocote or management showed nearly a two-fold increase in diameter growth. However, seedlings that were unmanaged grew nearly three times greater in height than managed seedlings. For herbivore protection by fertilizer interaction and the herbivore protection by management interaction, diameter growth effects were much greater for trees protected with sleeves than those unprotected or protected by Tanglefoot. This study indicates that the factors limiting regeneration and restoration are primarily biotic, namely herbivory by nutria and competition of entangling vines. It is likely that, with a combination of management techniques, it is possible to restore swamp habitat in this area.
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.