Biomass allocation, clonal dispersal, and competitive success in three salt marsh plants

摘要: Although a tradc-off between colonization and competitive ability is widely recognized to promote species co-existence. this trade-off rarely tested. Biomass allocation patterns, clonal dispersal, success of three salt marsh plant grown in pots or trays were examined the greenhouse. The ranking was determined by pairwise additive-series competition experiment under low nutrient conditions. Competitive patterns biomass differed significantly among species. dominants, Juncus gerardi, exhibited higher root :shoot root:rhizome ratios than its subordinates, Spartina patens Distichlis spicata. Contrary what previously observed field. only slightly competitively superior spicata greenhous (i.e., difference not statistically significant). very similar allocation. including roots rhizomes. with respect dispersal rates > gerardi) inversely correlated their abilities field, differences small significant. Thus. hypothesized these does appear be strongly interspecific It that field depends greatly on tolerate harsh edaphic conditions within gaps.