Sites

Five experimental test plots measuring 21'X21' each, have been established in Spartina alterniflora marsh.  Two plots (DET-I and DET-II) are located in deteriorating marsh (low vascular plant biomass, standing water) and three plots (NDET-I, NDET-II and NDET-III) are located in non-deteriorating marsh.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The experiment consists of four sample sites 7 yards by 7 yards (2 deteriorated and 2 healthy). Preliminary surveys were conducted to obtain four sites of comparable elevation. Boardwalks were constructed over sample sites to help eliminate any human disturbance. Manual application was used to apply the sediment to all the study areas. The sediment was applied as a varying wedge across the cross section of each plot from 0 to 10 cm in thickness. Random coring was done to assure the accuracy of the manual application. For the purpose of the study, we classified the 0 to 10 cm soil gradient into 4 experimental units (thick-10 cm, medium - 5 cm, thin - 2 cm, and control - 0cm).