Environmental Impact Research Program. The Use of Fertilizer To Enhance Transplants of the Seagrasses Zostera marina and Halodule wrightii.
Abstract
This study examined the influence of slow-release fertilizers (14-14-14, balanced, and 18-0-0, unbalanced--percentage nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively) on survival, population growth, and areal coverage of Zostera marina and Halodule wrightii as well as flowering and productivity of some Zostera plantings. Three experimental plantings were conducted on each of 3 sites near Beaufort, NC. Plantings were done in fall 1984 and spring 1985 with Zostera and in late spring 1985 with Halodule. The fertilizer types were applied in 3 dose levels (10, 90, and 170 g/planting unit). Replicate treatments, including fertilized control plantings, were randomly assigned locations on each of the three sites. Release of fertilizer, as well as light energy, temperature, salinity, and sediment stability, was monitored. No pattern of population growth or coverage could be found that could be ascribed to differences in environmental conditions. Nitrogen was released roughly according to the manufacturer's specifications for the 14-14-14 applications. Release of the 18-0-0 did not occur in the spring Zostera plantings, apparently due to quality control problems with its manufacturing. Phosphorus did not release in any of the experiments. A significant difference was found in population growth between pooled balanced and pooled unbalanced fertilizer treatments in the fall Zostera experiment only.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA188172
Entities
People
- Gordon W. Thayer
- Keith Rittmaster
- Mark S. Fonseca
- W. J. Kenworthy
Organizations
- National Marine Fisheries Service