Utilizing the physiological adaptation mechanisms of coastal plants for vegetative restoration of barrier islands

Abstract

Since 1932, there has been increased coastal erosion accounting for over one million acres of land loss along the Louisiana coastline resulting in a major economic loss in the United States economy. The objective of this research was to determine the physiological and morphological adaptations of barrier island vegetation to better plan future planting and restoration efforts. Plant growth, biomass, and nutrient load changes were evaluated for the purpose of barrier island restoration. Plants flooded for eight weeks accumulated greater biomass than the unflooded groups showing adaptability to hypoxia and flooding stress. Tissue analysis of coastal edge plants resulted in no nutrient content differences, demonstrating their ability to exclude excessive quantities of Fe and Mn uptake in hypoxic conditions. Arenchyma cells were abundant in black mangrove (Avicinia germinans) and S. alterniflora flooded roots transporting oxygen to the hypoxic root zone. Beach plants were found to help increase sand elevation, creating increased contour heights. Additionally, rooting strength research indicated greater soil stabilization after eight weeks of seashore paspalum establishment on simulated beach plots. Coastal edge plants were found to be suitable for the uptake of high nutrient loads from water. Carefully selecting barrier island restoration plant populations based on their adaptive mechanisms could help improve the success of barrier island restoration efforts.