The influence of rainfall variability on the species composition of a northern California salt marsh plant assemblage

摘要: Natural variability in the species composition of salt marsh plant assemblage was studied for 4 years (1986–90) at Bolinas Lagoon, California (USA). The study conducted during a period which little or no physical disturbance occurred marsh. During study, Lagoon experienced highly variable rainfall, both within and between years. In with average below winter spring cover Salicornia virginica increased relative to that other species. one year much higher than declined rare abundance. These patterns suggest under typical conditions, experiences stress due low availability freshwater high soil salinity. Under such stress-tolerant dominates assemblage. If, however, there is abundant rainfall early growing season, are released from able increase cover. appears be resistant change tolerate stress. Few studies have examined natural undisturbed marshes more must made order understand whether not general caused by variability.