Journal
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
Volume 41, Issue 3, Pages 765-771Publisher
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s12237-017-0322-2
Keywords
Herbivory; Nitrogen cycling; Salt marshes
Funding
- Northern Gulf Institute
- Mississippi State University Integrated Ecosystem Assessment
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Herbivory is a common process in salt marshes. However, the direct impact of marsh herbivory on nutrient cycling in this ecosystem is poorly understood. Using a N-15 enrichment mesocosm study, we quantified nitrogen (N) cycling in sediment and plants of black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus) salt marshes, facilitated by litter decomposition and litter plus grasshopper feces decomposition. We found 15 times more N-15 recovery in sediment with grasshopper herbivory compared to sediment with no grasshopper herbivory. In plants, even though we found three times and a half larger N-15 recovery with grasshopper herbivory, we did not find significant differences. Thus, herbivory can enhance N cycling in black needlerush salt marshes sediments and elevate the role of these salt marshes as nutrient sinks.
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