Global change and response of coastal dune plants to the combined effects of increased sand accretion (burial) and nutrient availability.

ABSTRACT: Coastal dune plants are subjected to natural multiple stresses and vulnerable to global change. Some changes associated with global change could interact in their effects on vegetation. As vegetation plays a fundamental role in building and stabilizing dune systems, effective coastal habitat management requires a better understanding of the combined effects of such changes on plant populations. A manipulative experiment was conducted along a Mediterranean dune system to examine the individual and combined effects of increased sediment accretion (burial) and nitrogen enrichment associated with predicted global change on the performance of young clones of Sporobolus virginicus, a widespread dune stabilizing species. Increased burial severity resulted in the production of taller but thinner s

SUBMITTER: Frosini S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3471884 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature