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Title:	Habitat development field investigations, Miller Sands Marsh and Upland Habitat Development Site, Columbia River, Oregon. Appendix E, Postpropagation assessment of botanical and soil resources on dredged material
Authors:	Heilman, Paul E., 1931- Greer, David M. Brauen, Stanton E. Baker, Aaron S.
Keywords:	Marshes Wetlands Plants Wildlife habitat improvement Columbia River Dredging spoil Dredged material Dredged Material Research Program (U.S.)
Publisher:	U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station
Series/Report no.:	Technical Report (Dredged Material Research Program (U.S.)) ; no. Technical Report D-77-38; Appendix E
Abstract:	This report describes the study area, methods, and results of habitat development experiments conducted at Miller Sands, a dredged material disposal site near the mouth of the Columbia River. The study consisted of investigations and experimental plantings on the older upland portion of the island and on the more recently constructed spit and marsh area. Soil analyses showed relatively uniform soil conditions with sand texture on both experimental sites. However, at the low elevation on the spit, silt and clay contents were higher than elsewhere. The soil was also very low in organic matter and nitrogen but had relatively high base status and pH, with the upland being about pH 6 and the marsh soils about pH 7. The phosphorus level was also relatively high, being above soil phosphorus levels found in adjacent natural soils. Although marsh soils were somewhat less oxidized at lower elevations, the soil was relatively well aerated and contained no sulfides or nitrites. There was some nitrate present on the upland, but prior to fertilization nitrate levels were very low in the marsh. Soil samples taken in the marsh in September 1976 after the first season's growth of propagated plants and the first application of the split fertilizer treatments showed significantly increased levels of ammonium and potassium and a reduction in soil pH corresponding to treatment rates. Available phosphorus determined by the oxalate method of extraction was not related to fertilizer treatment. Samples taken in June 1977 showed some increases in fertility probably as a result of the second fertilizer treatment on the split application plots, but, by August 1977, fertility levels had declined and showed little relationship to fertilizer treatment. A significant reduction in available N and exchangeable K due to uptake by plants was noted on the transplant plots, especially in the 1977 samples. This reduction represented a significant depletion in fertility status, particularly at the upper elevations in the marsh, and will likely result in lower vigor and productivity by these transplants in the future. Fertility levels in unvegetated areas of the marsh and sandspit showed comparable conditions to those in the marsh monotypic plot area. Considerably higher values were noted in the marsh reference area for total Kjeldahl nitrogen, organic carbon, and cation exchange capacity. In contrast, levels of available nutrients were lower in the marsh reference area, presumably as a result of uptake by the heavy vegetative cover. Results of treatment in the marsh on plant growth and survival showed significant effects of elevation (tier), with almost no plants of Deschampsia cespitosa or Carex obnupta surviving in the lower tier, which corresponded to elevations lower than 2.13 ft above mean lower low water. Aerial biomass production at the end of the second growing season was 1356 kg/ha for D. cespitosa and 547 kg/ha for C. obnupta. This compares to a mean biomass of 6157 kg/ha in the marsh reference area and to 379 kg/ha in the unvegetated intertidal area at elevations similar to the vegetative zone in the monotypic plot area. Fertilization significantly increased growth, seed production, and biomass of D. cespitosa but had no effect on C. obnupta. No seed was produced by C. obnupta, but considerable seed was produced by D. cespitosa, particularly in the upper tier. Soil samples were collected from the upland monotypic plots in June and August 1977. Fertilization had a significant effect on fertility status of the soil, but the effects were relatively minor by August. In contrast to the June samples, soil pH and moisture content were more closely related to fertilizer treatment in the August samples, with increased fertilization causing a significant reduction in both properties. Good plant growth was obtained with most species planted on the upland considering the late date of establishment in the fall of 1976. Hairy vetch showed particularly good early growth, but many plants died before maturity due to spring black stem disease. Fertilization was necessary for the establishment of most species even though competition from invading grasses greatly increased with application of fertilizer. Barley, red clover, white clover, and bentgrass produced flowers after the first year of growth, but seed production was poor. The likelihood of success in establishing these plants on dredged material cannot be determined without future monitoring. Aerial biomass production in the upland meadows significantly increased due to planting and fertilization. Increased production of invading grasses such as rat-tail fescue and common velvetgrass and elimination of moss followed application of fertilizer on the upland meadows. Only barley and hairy vetch contributed major portions of the biomass in the planted meadows. Appendix A' presents the data supplement for the study.
Description:	Technical Report
Gov't Doc #:	Technical Report D-77-38; Appendix E
Rights:	Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited
URI:	https://hdl.handle.net/11681/47639
Appears in Collections:	Technical Report