In this study, Gough and Grace studied plant community responses to fertilization and herbivory in Louisiana brackish and freshwater marshes. Species density was greater in plots that were grazed because grazing pressure limited the ability of dominant plants to outcompete other plants and reduce plant community diversity. Biomass was greatest in plots that were fertilized, suggesting that plant growth is limited by the nutrient availability in these marshes. These results indicate that grazing can enhance productivity and species diversity of brackish and freshwater marshes in Louisiana when nutrients are abundant, however, the author suggests that the effects of herbivory may not be as beneficial when nutrients are limiting.
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