Seed Dispersal of Halophytes in Tidal Salt Marshes

1 Dispersal of halophyte propagules by tidal currents was studied in transects along the tidal gradient in a salt marsh in the Netherlands using standing nets fixed to the soil surface and floating nets. 2 Significant interspecific differences were found in propagules caught in standing or in floati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of ecology 1995-08, Vol.83 (4), p.559-567
Main Authors: Huiskes, A. H. L., Koutstaal, B. P., Herman, P. M. J., Beeftink, W. G., Markusse, M. M., De Munck, W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brackish
Buoyancy
Ecology
Flowers & plants
Fruits
Halophytes
Marshes
Mud flats
Ocean currents
Plants
Salt marshes
Seed dispersal
Seedlings
Seeds
Vegetation
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Summary:1 Dispersal of halophyte propagules by tidal currents was studied in transects along the tidal gradient in a salt marsh in the Netherlands using standing nets fixed to the soil surface and floating nets. 2 Significant interspecific differences were found in propagules caught in standing or in floating nets. 3 The transport of propagules was mainly determined by the tidal currents: neither wind direction or speed nor the height of the high tide played a significant role. 4 In the vegetated marsh a net upward transport of propagules with the flood currents was found. Comparatively few propagules were transported into the marsh from elsewhere with the incoming tide; a significantly higher number of propagules was transported out of the marsh with the ebb currents. 5 There was substantial exchange of propagules within the marsh. Export of propagules especially of species growing in the lower parts of the marsh indicate a potential exchange between different salt marshes.
ISSN:0022-0477
1365-2745
DOI:10.2307/2261624