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Alternate Title

Soil Characteristics of Four Juncus roemerianus Populations in Mississippi

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The physical and chemical characteristics of soil from four widely separated Juncus roemerianus populations in Mississippi tidal marshes are determined. The J. roemerianus populations studied are located in Grand Bayou, Salt Flats, Weeks Bayou,and Belle Fantaine marshes. Organic matter, pH, CEC, N, P, K, Ca, S, Mg, and Zn analyses are based on composite soil samples. The percentage of sand, silt, and clay of the marsh soils is determined along with soil water content from the four locations. Statistical analysis indicates which marshes are different for each soil characteristic tested. No appreciable amounts of organic matter are present in the soils from Grand Bayou and the Salt Flats, however, the soils of Weeks Bayou and Belle Fontaine marsh are highly organic. Magnesium is significantly different among all locations. Concentrations of P are greatest in the marsh sails from Grand Bayou and lowest in the Salt Flats. Greater values are recorded for organic matter, CEC, N, K, Ca, S, Mg, and Zn in the Weeks Bayou and Belle Fontaine marsh soils than are recorded for the sails at Grand Bayou and Salt Flats. The results of the soil analyses show that tidal marsh soils vary considerably in physical and chemical characteristics among locations, and J. roemerianus is able to grow well in a variety of soil types.

First Page

9

Last Page

13

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