Spartina-Alterniflora Response to Fertilizer, Planting Dates, and Elevation in Galveston Bay, Texas

Abstract

Spartina alterniflora transplant response to 5 fertilizer rates, 2 planting dates, and different elevations was evaluated on sandy dredged material, Bolivar Peninsula, Texas in 1977. Survival, shoot production, and growth of Spartina alterniflora occurred throughout the site, but survival was significantly different at low and high elevations for each date. Higher tides following the May transplant period apparently shifted the zone of best survival and growth upward as compared to the February transplant period. A zone of low survival and growth occurred at mean high water for both dates. Greater survival, shoot production, and growth of Spartina alterniflora was achieved in the May transplanting than the February transplanting date.