Arrowgrass (Triglochin palustris), a forage species preferred by some geese, was transplanted to 4 community types, representing zones in an Alaskan salt marsh, where fertilizers and altered salinity and light levels were used to simulate the effects of goose grazing on these plant communities. Arrowgrass grew best in the communities between the Slough margin, which was closest to the saline water and flooded daily, and the Carex wet meadow, which was farthest from the water. These intermediate areas had less competition for light and nutrients than the bordering communities. In general, fertilizers (simulated goose feces) negatively affected arrowgrass plants because, as the competition for nutrients was reduced, the competition for light was greater. Therefore, unless geese are trampling or consuming plants that neighbor arrowgrass, which would increase the light availability, then arrowgrass will be inhibited by the presence of goose feces in the area. However, it is important to remember that this study may not accurately reflect the results of grazing by geese, as goose behavior and selectivity in these four salt marsh communities cannot be realistically simulated and further research should be conducted on actual goose grazing.
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