Abstract
This dataset contains images and productivity data from a yearlong mesocosm experiment. We included three plant composition treatments: Spartina alterniflora only, Avicennia germinans only, and S. alterniflora and A. germinans mix (SA+AG). In addition, within the treatments containing S. alterniflora, we examined the effects of plant genotypic identity and diversity using 1 genotype (monoculture) or 3 genotypes (3 genotypes randomly selected from a pool of 6 genotypes; polyculture). In the two oil-exposed mesocosms, we used a 5-day repetitive dosage procedure, with each experimental tub receiving an initial 1 L m-2 of a 1:1 oil-water mixture. In the two non-oiled mesocosms, seawater was added using the same procedure. During each of our four post-oil sampling events (Dec. 2015 - Sept. 2016), we quantified plant survival, growth, morphology, and production of both Spartina and Avicennia as a function of plant diversity and oiling. Related data can be found in GRIIDC datasets R4.x262.000:0025, R4.x262.000:0026, and R4.x262.000:0035.
Purpose
To test the effects of plant species identity and composition (A. germinans, S. alterniflora), as well as plant genotypic diversity (S. alterniflora only) on the response of coastal wetlands to oiling disturbance.
DOI: doi:10.7266/N7K93629
Suggested Citation
A. Randall Hughes, J. Cebrian, K. Heck, J. Goff, T. C. Hanley, W. Scheffel, R.A. Zerebecki. 2018. Effects of oil exposure, plant species composition, and plant genotypic diversity on salt marsh and mangrove assemblages: A mesocosm study from September 2015 to September 2016. Distributed by: Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative Information and Data Cooperative (GRIIDC), Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/N7K93629
Related Publication Citation
Hughes, A. R., Cebrian, J., Heck, K., Goff, J., Hanley, T. C., Scheffel, W., & Zerebecki, R. A. (2018). Effects of oil exposure, plant species composition, and plant genotypic diversity on salt marsh and mangrove assemblages. Ecosphere, 9(4), e02207. doi:10.1002/ecs2.2207
Funded by: Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI)
Funding cycle: RFP-IV
Research group: Alabama Center for Ecological Resilience (ACER)
