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Effects of Fertilization on Grasshopper Grazing of Northern Gulf of Mexico Salt Marshes

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Abstract

Grazing frequency, grazing intensity, plant health, and grazer abundances were examined under two different fertilization regimes and compared to unfertilized areas of Juncus roemerianus (black needlerush) marsh. These measurements were taken in three separate sites: two low elevation sites and one high elevation site. Fertilizer was added over one grazing season (April–August) with measurements taken over the same time period at each site. In general, grazing frequency and intensity was higher in the fertilized treatments than unfertilized treatment; however, plant health was similar among treatments. Relative grazer abundance was higher in the fertilized treatments than unfertilized. From these results, it can be suggested that black needlerush grazers preferentially congregate and graze in areas of marsh with higher nutrient content in the leaves. However, the effects of this increased grazing on plant health (leaf lengths, biomass, and percent living biomass) were small after one grazing season. This information furthers our understanding of the potential effects of anthropogenic eutrophication on salt marshes and can be used by managers focusing on conservation and restoration of black needlerush.

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Acknowledgments

Funding for this project was provided by the Northern Gulf Institute and Mississippi State University Integrated Ecosystem Assessment. We would also like to thank Sara Kerner, Jason Howard, Joann Moody, Jelani Reynolds, Jennifer Hemphill, and Larisa Lee of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab for their field and lab assistance. Additionally, we would like to thank Dr. Mark Woodrey, Brenna Ehmen, and Jay McIlwain of the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve as well as Jessica Carrier and Dr. Anne Boettcher of the University of South Alabama for field assistance. For statistical assistance, we would like to thank Dr. Juan Alberti of the National University of Mar del Plata.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL, 36528, USA

    Eric L. Sparks & Just Cebrian

  2. Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA

    Eric L. Sparks & Just Cebrian

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  1. Eric L. Sparks
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  2. Just Cebrian
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Correspondence to Eric L. Sparks.

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Communicated by Linda K. Blum

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Sparks, E.L., Cebrian, J. Effects of Fertilization on Grasshopper Grazing of Northern Gulf of Mexico Salt Marshes. Estuaries and Coasts 38, 988–999 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-014-9858-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-014-9858-6

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