Coastal Dunes Research Articles

A new species of Bromus sect. Ceratochloa (Poaceae: Bromeae) from Argentina

A new species of Bromus section Ceratochloa (Poaceae) is described. Bromus alonsae is characterized by its perennial, creeping or semi-creeping habit, blades glaucous green with short and dense pubescence, folded to rolled vernation, and loose and semi-contracted panicles. It begins flowering in October and inhabits the maritime coastal sand dunes of the southeast of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. It differs from B. catharticus var. catharticus in both morphology and phenology.

The geomorphic work of the European mole (Talpa europaea): Long‐term monitoring of molehills using structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry

AbstractMoles—small insectivorous mammals of the family Talpidae—are widespread across the Northern Hemisphere. These subterranean mammals are easily detected through the mounds, or molehills, they construct as surface bioproducts of tunnel systems excavated underground. The dense aggregation of these bioconstructions in a range of environments (e.g., floodplains, woodland, coastal dunes and upland regions) indicates that moles may play an important role in sediment systems. However, compared with other fossorial mammals (e.g., gophers and rabbits), the impact of moles as direct and indirect biogeomorphic agents is poorly understood. Furthermore, little is known about how molehills develop and degrade over time or how long they persist as landscape features. By examining molehills created by the European mole (Talpa europaea) over 4 months on a floodplain in Oxfordshire, UK, we provide a quantitative assessment of how these landforms evolve over time and space. Through the creation of high‐resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) using structure‐from‐motion (SfM) photogrammetry, we derive a variety of metrics describing molehill morphology and produce a detailed record of how molehills change at weekly time intervals. In addition, measurements of molehill volume are used to estimate the excavation rate of moles over a month. Findings show that (i) molehills are dynamic landforms that change in size and shape in response to phases of construction, collapse, erosion and rebuilding; (ii) rates of degradation are influenced by soil characteristics and seasonal weather conditions; (iii) molehills can persist as landscape features for several months; and (iv) moles are capable of moving a substantial volume of sediment in highly active areas (3.89 m3 ha−1 month−1). Future work is now needed to determine the geomorphic impact of T. europaea over larger spatial scales (e.g., river catchments) and longer timescales (e.g., years–decades) to determine its importance in relation to other bioturbators and within the wider sediment system.

Geotechnical Properties and Performance of Large-Scale Coastal Dunes Reinforced by Biocementation under Hurricane Wave Conditions

Geotechnical Properties and Performance of Large-Scale Coastal Dunes Reinforced by Biocementation under Hurricane Wave Conditions

Coastal Dune Erosion and Slumping Processes in the Swash‐Dune Collision Regime Based on Field Measurements

AbstractThis paper studies hydrodynamic and morphodynamic field measurements of two storms with dune erosion in the swash‐dune collision regime. It analyses (a) the behavior and change of the total dune profile over the course of both storms (b) the erosion rate at the dune base, (c) the slumping frequency, and (d) the volumes of individual slumps. The erosion rate at the dune base shows a strong positive correlation with the square of the total water levels that were exceeded for 2% of the time, recorded approximately 5–6 m in front of the dune face (r = 0.91). Individual slumping events occurred when nearly all sediments from previous slumps at the dune base were transported away from the dune. A strong positive correlation was found between the time between two consecutive slumps, and the volume of the first slump divided by the mean erosion rate between the two slumps (r = 0.90). As a consequence, smaller slumps were followed more rapidly by a new slump than larger slumps, under identical erosion rates. The majority of the slumping events occurred after the last wave impact before a slumping event, when the instantaneous water level in front of the dune was still retreating. No clear process based on the incident hydrodynamics could be identified that determined the size of individual slumps. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the morphodynamic behavior of the upper dune face and dune crest is primarily steered by the erosion at the dune base.

Vertical growth rate of planted vegetation controls dune growth on a sandy beach

The integration of coastal dunes planted with vegetation and dikes combines traditional infrastructure with dynamic aeolian sediment and ecological processes to enhance coastal resilience. The functioning of such dune-dike hybrid Nature-based Solution strongly depends on aeolian sediment transport and the vertical growth rate of vegetation. We used the AeoLiS numerical model to investigate the relative importance of aeolian and vegetation dynamics in the evolution of a 120 m long and 20 m wide marram grass-planted dune field on a Belgian sandy beach backed by a seawall, constructed in 2021. AeoLiS proved to be a promising tool for predicting these systems, effectively capturing aeolian sediment deposition, vegetation growth, and profile development three years post-construction. Seasonal variations in vegetation trapping efficiency, driven by sediment burial, and seasonal plant growth emerged as important factors controlling dune growth. Profile development discrepancies were attributed to unaccounted biotic and abiotic factors, highlighting the complexity of coastal eco-geomorphological processes. Dunes planted with vegetation wider than 20 m were identified to enhance sediment trapping without an increase in dune height. These findings offer actionable insights for coastal management, promoting strategic dune design and planting approaches to reinforce shoreline resilience. Additionally, the findings underscore the necessity for advancing eco-morphodynamic models and deepening our knowledge of coastal dune dynamics.

A Critical Review of Eolian Ichnofacies

Two ichnofacies have been named to encompass inland eolian depositional systems, the Octopodichnus and the Entradichnus ichnofacies, and are often combined into a single, Octopodichnus–Entradichnus ichnofacies. In contrast, coastal dune fields are characterized by a mixture of traces produced by marine and nonmarine organisms attributed to a single, Psilonichnus ichnofacies. However, inland eolian depositional systems lack marine organisms and encompass multiple lithofacies, the most extensive and broadly defined as being dunal and interdunal (includes many water laid deposits). The two lithofacies host generally different ichnoassemblages. Dunes are dominated by arthropod and tetrapod walking traces, whereas interdunes are dominated by shallow burrows, though there is some overlap in the ichnoassemblages of both lithofacies. A re-evaluation of the three ichnotaxa unique to the Entradichnus ichnofacies indicates they are invalid: Entradichnus = Taenidium, Pustulichnus = Skolithos, and Digitichnus is not based on a biogenic structure. The Entradichnus ichnofacies is characterized by abundant horizontal, backfilled traces of mobile deposit feeders and other ichnotaxa that indicate it is a synonym of the Scoyenia ichnofacies. I advocate subsuming the Laoporus, Brasilichnium, and Chelichnus ichnofacies of earlier workers under the Octopodichnus ichnofacies. Thus, the two principal ichnofacies of eolian depositional systems are the Octopodichnus and Scoyenia ichnofacies, though several other ichnofacies have been identified. No single ichnofacies characterizes eolian depositional systems.

The Environmental Legal Framework of Mexican Caribbean Dunes: A Retrospective Case Study of Vegetation and Coastal Dune Loss in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

The Mexican Caribbean coastal dune is protected by national and international environmental legislation. However, through permits, concessions and authorizations for changes in land use, the coastal dune has been fragmented or suppressed, mainly for touristic activities, causing a decline in protective and ecological ecosystem services. In this study, we evaluated the strength and weakness of Mexican legislation to protect the Caribbean coastal dune ecosystem and estimated the historical and current effects on coastal dune vegetation and dune geomorphology, associated with legal allowances of land use change in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (SKBR). Legislation at the federal, state and local level were critically reviewed, and with remote sensing techniques and the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), we conducted a case study in the SKBR to estimate coastal dune vegetation alteration trends during the period 2011–2020 and modifications on the dune geomorphology associated with land use change allowances. At the federal (four laws), state (eight laws) and local (nine Local and Territorial Planning Programs (POEL and POET) levels, we found a lack of consensus and alignment between regulations, starting with a lack of definition of ecosystems subject to protection. For coastal dunes, none of them consider topography, ecological function and a way to identify it in the field, making the surveillance highly complex and favoring land use changes, the removal of vegetation and dune geomorphology alteration. Remote sensing techniques showed that areas with land use authorizations exhibit negative vegetation cover trends (Mann–Kendall <−0.4), indicating a decline in vegetation cover density that is mostly anthropogenically induced. The RPAS analysis demonstrated drastic alterations to complete elimination of the coastal dune geomorphology in areas with land use change. In the Mexican Caribbean, the loss of coastal dune and associated ecosystem by the lack of congruent legislation threatens the environmental stability of the coastal areas.

Microzonation Approach for Analyzing Regional Seismic Response: A Case Study of the Dune Deposit in Concón, Chile

Urban areas located on complex geological formations, such as dune deposits, require detailed seismic risk assessments that extend beyond standard seismic codes. This study focuses on the city of Concón, Chile, where a significant portion of the urban area is situated on a coastal dune deposit. The research integrates seismic microzonation with a three-dimensional finite element model (3D FEM) to comprehensively evaluate the regional seismic response. Field data from 208 strategically distributed points were collected and combined with geotechnical and geomorphological information to construct a detailed 3D model of the region. This model allowed for the simulation of seismic behavior under various conditions, highlighting the limitations of general seismic codes in capturing local variations in seismic response. The results underscore the importance of considering local geological conditions in structural design, particularly in areas with irregular topography and complex subsurface conditions. This study concludes that incorporating microzonation into urban planning and seismic analysis can significantly enhance infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness, providing a replicable approach for other cities facing similar geological challenges.

Human impact on the scenic quality of coastal dunes: A study of the central Caribbean coast of Colombia

This paper provides a scenic assessment of 19 dune sites using the Dune Scenery Evaluation System (DSES). The DSES assesses values from a checklist of 18 physical and 8 human parameters and allows the calculation of a scenic evaluation index (D Value), which classifies D sites into five classes: Class I, usually natural areas of top scenic characteristics, to Class V, poor scenic dune areas with a greater impact of human interventions. Our findings reveal a predominance of coastal dune systems falling into middle to lower scenic quality classes (III, IV, and V), indicating considerable degradation due to intense human activities. Notably, these activities have adversely impacted the structural integrity and scenic value of these dunes, leading to a loss of biodiversity and increased vulnerability to natural hazards. This paper highlights the critical need for integrated coastal management strategies that balance conservation with sustainable development. Furthermore, our study proposes the enhancement of existing regulatory frameworks, community engagement in conservation efforts, and the implementation of ecological restoration projects aimed at reversing the degradation and restoring the ecological and scenic value of these vital landscapes. The findings underline the potential of using scenic quality as an ecological indicator to guide conservation and management practices, ensuring the preservation of coastal dunes, which are essential for ecological sustainability and local economic benefits. This multidisciplinary approach not only enriches our understanding of the complex interactions within dune ecosystems but also sets a precedent for future research and policymaking in coastal zone management.

Integrating UAV imagery and machine learning via Geographic Object Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) for enhanced monitoring of Yucca gloriosa in Mediterranean coastal dunes

Effective monitoring and early detection of invasive alien plant species (IAPs) are crucial for mitigating their spread and safeguarding native habitats. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) offer a cost-efficient solution, providing high resolution images. In this study, we aimed to develop a semi-automated methodology using a machine learning algorithm, spatial metrics, and clustering techniques on UAV images to monitor, map, and suggest management measures to counteract Yucca gloriosa, an invasive plant colonizing coastal fixed dunes in central Italy.UAV flights were conducted using two drones: one for the visible spectrum and the other for multispectral bands (Blue, Green, Red, Red Edge, and Near Infrared) along with a Digital Surface Model (DSM). Derived vegetation indices were also utilized. For mapping Y. gloriosa distribution, a Geographic Object Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) approach was applied to the orthophoto segmentation, followed by a Random Forest algorithm in a training phase, considering three variable combinations (DSM + vegetation indices, DSM + spectral bands, DSM + mixed variables). The most accurate Y. gloriosa map was used to suggest management measures combining the spatial pattern of invaded patches (size, height, isolation level, and aggregation degree) and a mixed clustering approach (hierarchical and partitioning).The results highlighted that the most accurate prediction map was based on the DSM + mixed variables dataset, showing the important role of using a combination of spectral bands and vegetation indices. In all three cases, the DSM emerged as the pivotal variable for discriminating Y. gloriosa from the surrounding environment. Additionally, our results demonstrate the advantages of incorporating vegetation indices in discerning the target invasive alien plant (IAP) from the broader environment, particularly considering its distinctive photosynthesis process and biomass production. From a managerial standpoint, our pilot study indicates that the UAV-based mapping methodology represents an optimal balance between field efforts and costs. This approach allows for the precise identification of containment and removal areas of Y. gloriosa, without compromising the accuracy of the method. The generated prediction maps also hold potential significance for the conservation of coastal dune ecosystems, providing a promising tool for the effective management of invasive species and biodiversity conservation by suggesting management measures for Y. gloriosa.

Seawater spray as a significant nitrogen source across coastal dune vegetation gradients

BackgroundNitrogen significantly influences plant performance and vegetation development in nutrient-poor ecosystems like coastal dunes. While various sources contribute nitrogen, including N2 fixation and marine inputs, the significance of seawater spray remains understudied. In this study, we aimed to assess the relevance of seawater spray as a source of nitrogen input and its potential role in plant community composition in dune ecosystems. MethodsThe δ15N, δ13C, N, and C content of leaves from the most abundant 21 species were measured in 6 positions across a beach inland gradient in a Mediterranean dune system in SW Spain. Soil samples at different depths were collected in each position and N, C, P, K, NH4+, NO3=, and organic matter were measured. Salt spray accumulation was determined on Achillea maritima leaves across the gradient. ResultsLeaf nitrogen content did not exhibit a beach-inland gradient, but δ15N decreased with distance from the sea. Species displayed three distinct N uptake strategies along the gradient: species from Upper Beach and Foredune communities showed high δ15N values, suggesting a marine origin; species distributed across the gradient exhibited decreasing δ15N patterns from the Upper Beach to the Inland, indicative of seawater spray influence; species farthest from the sea relied on non-marine nitrogen sources. ConclusionsThese results indicate the importance of seawater nitrogen income for the dune system vegetation and evidence that dune plant species exhibit varied N uptake strategies influenced by their position across the beach-inland gradient.

Species-specific functional trait responses in two species coexisting along a shore-to-inland dune gradient.

Coastal dunes are characterised by strong gradients of abiotic stress, typically increasing in severity from inland areas towards the shoreline. Thus, dune gradients represent unique opportunities to study intraspecific responses to environmental changes and to investigate which factors drive community change. This study aims to examine functional trait variation in two coexisting species in response to environmental changes along a dune gradient in NW Spain. Trait convergence was also investigated and compared between both ends of the gradient. We measured functional leaf traits related to plant efficiency in the use of light, water and nutrients, also possible stressors (salt content and pH) and availability of limiting resources (water and nutrients) in the soil. Most soil variables showed changes following a non-directional gradient. Differences in soil variables were site specific and depended on growth of the study species. Structural and functional traits depended on species and/or plant position on the gradient, except for effective quantum yield of PSII and leaf δ15N. The pattern of variation was mostly directional for reflectance indices related to leaf physiology. Multivariate analyses showed significant interspecific differences in the set of traits they exhibited along positions in the gradient. Species also differed in the combination of traits selected under given environmental conditions. Coexisting species display a specific set of traits that reflects different strategies to environmental stress. Our study highlights the overly simplistic nature of some previous studies that assume dune gradients are monotonically directional, without considering that these gradients may be differentially modified by species activity.

Storms on the Western Black Sea shore: an opportunity for long-distance dispersal of coastal dunes psammophytes?

Coastal areas are among the planet's most dynamic yet vulnerable environments, the shape of sand dunes being typically modeled by two sets of forces: the relatively constant action of wind and waves and the disturbances caused by infrequent but powerful storms. These meteorological events affect the plant communities, but can also play an important role in the long-distance dispersal of some psammophytes. Plants can be exposed, uprooted, broke apart and spread by wind and waves. Then, depending on the resilience of the plant to seawater temperature, the duration of immersion, the type of fragment transported and the suitability of the new habitat, new population can be established. This study aimed to assess the resilience to seawater immersion and the ability of long-distance dispersal of three psammophytes: Convolvulus persicus, Alyssum borzaeanum, and Silene thymifolia. The experiments tested the viability of vegetative fragments and the reproductive capacity of seeds under different exposure periods (5, 10, and 15 days) and temperature conditions: 4 °C (average surface seawater temperature during winter and early spring when storms on the Black Sea Coast occur), 13 °C (average surface seawater temperature), and 23 °C (average summer surface seawater temperature). The increase of both seawater temperature and the exposure time had a significant negative influence on the viability of the vegetative fragments and on germination capacity. After exposure to seawater, Convolvulus persicus, and Silene thymifolia are able to establish new populations through vegetative fragments or seeds, whilst in case of Alyssum borzaeanum, no vegetative regeneration was observed.

Modelling beach volume changes caused by moderate and weak hydrodynamic conditions

The goals of this study were the calibration of the XBeach model for moderate and weak hydrodynamic conditions in 2D mode and the determination of the volumetric changes induced by them. An evaluation of model performance was made based on the Brier Skill Score (BSS), the visual match of the profile shape (VMS), the absolute volumetric change error (m3/m) and the relative volumetric change error (%). An analysis of accuracy in determining volumetric changes in the dune coast, with XBeach applied, provided an average absolute error in determination of volumetric changes of 4.0 m3/m for a significant storm and 1.5 m3/m for moderate and weak hydrodynamic conditions in a 2D model calibration process. Simulations of morphological changes caused by moderate and weak hydrodynamic conditions for seven timeframes classified into three groups have been run in 2D mode. Within a validation process, the average absolute error in the determination of volumetric changes in the beach was ranging from 0.64 m3/m to 2.42 m3/m depending on the group of hydrodynamic conditions. A high value of the correlation coefficient (R) between the measured and modelled balance of volumetric changes (m3/m) for all timeframes – 0.79 and for the ‘strongest’ group no. 3 – 0.91 were revealed. For the remaining groups, i.e., group no. 1 and no. 2 of hydrodynamic conditions, no such correlation was observed. Furthermore, the temporal analysis of the sum of beach volumes proved that a rising trend was observed over 4 months. Thus, moderate and weak hydrodynamic conditions dominated the accumulation within the area of study. XBeach reflected this trend well, producing a difference between the measured and modelled sum of volumes at the end of the timeframe of 7.27 m3/m, which is close to the volume determination error by the model.

Correlation with Apoptosis Process through RNA-Seq Data Analysis of Hep3B Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Treated with Glehnia littoralis Extract (GLE).

Glehnia littoralis is a perennial herb found in coastal sand dunes throughout East Asia. This herb has been reported to have hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. It may be effective against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether this has been proven through gene-level RNA-seq analysis is still being determined. Therefore, we are attempting to identify target genes for the cell death process by analyzing the transcriptome of Hep3B cells among HCC treated with GLE (Glehnia littoralis extract) using RNA-seq. Hep3B was used for the GLE treatment, and the MTT test was performed. Hep3B was then treated with GLE at a set concentration of 300 μg/mL and stored for 24 h, followed by RNA isolation and sequencing. We then used the data to create a plot. As a result of the MTT analysis, cell death was observed when Hep3B cells were treated with GLE, and the IC50 was about 300 μg/mL. As a result of making plots using the RNA-seq data of Hep3B treated with 300 μg/mL GLE, a tendency for the apoptotic process was found. Flow cytometry and annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining verified the apoptosis of HEP3B cells treated with GLE. Therefore, an increase or decrease in the DEGs involved in the apoptosis process was confirmed. The top five genes increased were GADD45B, DDIT3, GADD45G, CHAC1, and PPP1R15A. The bottom five genes decreased were SGK1, CX3CL1, ZC3H12A, IER3, and HNF1A. In summary, we investigated the RNA-seq dataset of GLE to identify potential targets that may be involved in the apoptotic process in HCC. These goals may aid in the identification and management of HCC.

Low impact of Carpobrotus edulis on soil microbiome after manual removal from a climate change field experiment

Synergic effects between climate change and invasive species may alter soil microbial diversity and functioning, as well as cause major shifts in physicochemical properties. Moreover, some of these ecological impacts may manifest even after the removal of the invasive species. We have conducted a field experiment to assess such effects on soil microbial communities (fungi and bacteria) and physicochemical properties seven months after the removal of Carpobrotus edulis (L.), an invasive plant of coastal dune ecosystems. C. edulis grew on the experimental plots for 14 months under current (“invasive species treatment”) and increased warming and drought conditions (“combined treatment”). Then, all plant parts (above and belowground biomass) were removed with a non-aggressive eradication method and soil samples were collected seven months later in the experimental and control plots (no invasive species and current climatic conditions). We predicted a general compositional shift in microbial communities in response to the presence of the invasive species. Moreover, given that water is the most limiting factor in this type of ecosystem, we also predicted a more pronounced compositional shift in the treatment combining invader presence and climate change. While species richness was similar amongst treatments, we observed some taxonomic and functional variation in soil microbial communities. Notably, fungal and bacterial communities exhibited contrasting responses. The species composition of bacteria differed significantly between the “invasive species” and “control” treatments, while, in the case of fungi, the most substantial difference occurred between the “invasive species” treatment and the combined treatment of “invasive species and climate change”. Some chemical properties, such as carbon and nitrogen content or pH, strongly differed amongst treatments, with the “invasive species” showing a different response compared to the other two treatments. Overall, our study suggests smaller short-term effects on the microbial community compared to soil chemical properties. Furthermore and contrary to our initial expectations, the potential impact on the soil microbiome seemed to be weaker in the face of rising temperatures and drought conditions predicted by climate change. This outcome highlights the remarkable complexity of the impact of invasive species and climate change on belowground microbial communities.

Permanent loss of barrier island resilience due to a critical transition in dune ecosystems

Barrier islands cover a large fraction of US coasts and support unique ecosystems and coastal infrastructure. The ‘barrier’ function of a barrier island depends on coastal dunes that can prevent storm flooding and widespread ecosystem loss. Furthermore, dune-less barriers are more susceptible to breaching and potential drowning under sea level rise. Here we study the transition from richly-vegetated barriers with mature dunes (‘high’ state) to dune-less barren barriers (‘barren’ state) using data from a representative set of barrier islands in Virginia, US. We find that these two states are possible stable solutions of a non-linear stochastic dynamics characterized by a tipping point at which barriers with elevation around beach berms experience a critical transition into a permanently barren state. Our results suggest that frequently-flooded dune-less barren islands are a natural endpoint of barrier’s evolution under sea level rise.

Identification of Marine Landforms as a Form of Coastal Area Management in Pangandaran District

Changes in marine landforms in coastal areas are relatively rapid and need to be analyzed to determine environmental management policies. Complex marine landforms are found in the coastal areas of Pangandaran Regency and have strong pressure to fulfill community activities, not only for local communities but also for outside communities. Basically, community activities are adapted to regional environmental conditions. The aim is to optimize the potential of natural resources and minimize environmental degradation, but in reality, this has not been fully implemented. The method used in this research is a descriptive method using a field survey approach. Marine landforms resulting from the accretion process in the Pangandaran coastal area are spit landforms, aeolian-marine sedimentation in the form of coastal dunes, fluvio-marine sedimentation in the form of estuaries and alates, organic-marine landforms and white sand beaches associated with reefs. The landforms resulting from erosion are Cliffs, notches, wave-cut platforms, stacks, and stumps. The impact of landforms resulting from sedimentation in the Pangandaran coastal area is mainly spit landforms that cover river mouths and the occurrence of flooding, puddles, and even accumulation of organic waste, landforms resulting from erosion, the impact of which is the decline of the coastline accompanied by avalanches of material towards the sea, especially on beaches that have non-resistant rocks such as sedimentary rocks and alluvial deposits. Management of the Pangandaran coastal environmental area must be carried out in an integrated manner, land buritan (hinterland), which has steep slopes and resistant rock, is designated as limited production land, and the development of the spit at the river mouth is made into a jetty, and the beach has beach cups waves with rip currents and water bathymetry. -10 meters above sea level, a wave-protecting wall must be built, and the coastal border area must be used as vegetative-based conservation land.Keywords: Marine landforms, Coastal Management, Pangandaran

Does the soil microbial community facilitate Mimosa pudica's biological performance under abiotic stress? Growth, tolerance mechanisms, and seismonastic behaviour

Climate change effects such as soil salinisation or drought dramatically affect native and potentially invasive plant species. Mimosa pudica, originally native to South America but spread to Africa and Asia, exhibits great adaptability to disturbed environments in tropical and subtropical areas. It has become a model organism for studying thigmomorphogenetic behaviour due to its ability to display fast responses to mechanical stimuli. We investigated the effects of salt and water stresses on M. pudica in interaction with a Mediterranean coastal dune microbial community by growing plants on soils collected from dunes near Valencia, Spain. Plant biomass, potential mechanisms of stress tolerance, seismonastic response, and phenology were assessed. Abiotic stress, particularly salt stress, adversely affects plant performance and seismonasty. Mimosa pudica, however, displayed the blockage of Na+ transport at the root level as a primary defence mechanism against salinity. When exposed to natural soils, plants produced more leaves and flowers, with lower flower abortion rates than plants in a sterile substrate, and the stimulated plants displayed faster responses across time before reaching a plateau, while the recovery increased with time. Our results highlight the need for integrative and multidisciplinary approaches to understand plant-abiotic stress-microorganisms interactions. In M. pudica, soil microorganisms had weak or no effects on biomass or biochemical stress markers; however, their presence strongly improved reproductive traits and seismonasty, thus facilitating potential plant establishment in a new environment.

From Dunes to Forests: Historical Management of Coastal Dune Fields to Understand Their Changes Across Time: The case of the Catalan Coast

From Dunes to Forests: Historical Management of Coastal Dune Fields to Understand Their Changes Across Time: The case of the Catalan Coast