Research Index
A Pilot Study to Develop Quantitative Marsh Function Assessment Measures in Various Restoration Projects Being Planned along the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Fungi play a critical role in the decomposition process of senescent and standing decaying salt marsh grasses, providing a primary link in the remineralization and transformation of decaying vascular plant material. Additionally, studies suggest that fungi have an important role on the ecosystem nutrient flux, increasing denitrification rates and increasing mineralization of the sediment carbon and nitrogen. The species of fungi that inhabit natural saltmarsh are well documented. Comparisons will therefore be made among fungal communities of natural, created and restored wetlands to determine the fungal species present at each site. Observed differences in distribution, abundance and biomass will be used to determine which species are necessary to maintain the productivity and functionality of salt marshes. The knowledge of which fungi must be present to maintain a balanced ecosystem will provide a qualitative measure of future marsh functionality. Fungal species present on the plant leaves will be isolated and identified using light microscopy. Belowground fungal biomass will be measured as ergosterol content.
This work is funded by Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Tidelands Trust Fund.
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| These are salt marsh islands situated in Davis Bayou. They were created from dredge material in the 1980’s. |
A view of the shore from one of the islands. |
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| Looking back at the lab from the islands. Coastal Sciences faculty Bruce Comyns, Chet Rakocinski and Mark Peterson are taking measurements and samples. |
Standing on one of the islands (from the left) are: Peter Evans of Australia and Coastal Sciences faculty Mark Peterson, Chet Rakocinski and Bruce Comyns. Evans, Campbells father, volunteered to help with the research during a visit. |
