A simple, inexpensive, and field-relevant microcosm tidal simulator for use in marsh macrophyte studies.
OBJECTIVE
A microcosm unit with tidal simulation was developed to address the challenge of maintaining ecologically relevant tidal regimes while performing controlled greenhouse experiments on smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora. •


RESULTS
We designed a simple, inexpensive, easily replicated microcosm unit with tidal simulation and tested whether S. alterniflora growth in microcosms with tidal simulation was similar to that of tidally influenced plants in the field on Sapelo Island, Georgia. After three months of exposure to either natural or simulated tidal treatment, plants in microcosms receiving tidal simulation had similar stem density, height, and above- and belowground biomass to plants in field plots. •


CONCLUSIONS
The tidal simulator developed may provide an inexpensive, effective method for conducting studies on S. alterniflora and other tidally influenced plants in controlled settings to be used not only to complement field studies, but also in locations without coastal access.
Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, P.O. Box 8042-1, Statesboro, Georgia 30460 USA.
Rachel M
RM
MacTavish
Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, P.O. Box 8042-1, Statesboro, Georgia 30460 USA.
Risa A
RA
Cohen
Spartina alterniflora; biomass; greenhouse; marsh; plant growth; tidal simulation