Seed Dispersal of Halophytes in Tidal Salt Marshes

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Abstract
1 Dispersal of halophyte propagules by tidal currents was studied in transects along the tidal gradient in a salt marsh in the Netherlands using standing nets fixed to the soil surface and floating nets. 2 Significant interspecific differences were found in propagules caught in standing or in floating nets. 3 The transport of propagules was mainly determined by the tidal currents: neither wind direction or speed nor the height of the high tide played a significant role. 4 In the vegetated marsh a net upward transport of propagules with the flood currents was found. Comparatively few propagules were transported into the marsh from elsewhere with the incoming tide; a significantly higher number of propagules was transported out of the marsh with the ebb currents. 5 There was substantial exchange of propagules within the marsh. Export of propagules especially of species growing in the lower parts of the marsh indicate a potential exchange between different salt marshes. [KEYWORDS: Estuaries; exchange of propagules; halophytes; tidal currents Dynamics; germination; banks

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