Abstract:

These are the reported results of decomposition and soil strength changes after aerobic and anaerobic laboratory experiments. Freshwater marsh samples were collected south of Hammond, Louisiana. This dataset supports the publication: Bodker, J.E., R.E. Turner, A.W. Tweel, C. Schulz, and C. Swarzenski 2015. Nutrient-enhanced decomposition of belowground biomass of a freshwater wetland. Aquatic Botany 127: 44-52. doi:10.1016/j.aquabot.2015.08.001.

Suggested Citation:

Turner, R. Eugene. 2016. Fresh marsh decomposition rates near Hammond Louisiana 2010-2013. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/N7DR2SHQ

Publications:

Bodker, J. E., Turner, R. E., Tweel, A., Schulz, C., & Swarzenski, C. (2015). Nutrient-enhanced decomposition of plant biomass in a freshwater wetland. Aquatic Botany, 127, 44–52. doi:10.1016/j.aquabot.2015.08.001

Purpose:

To measure soil changes in a marsh with higher nutrient loadings.

Data Parameters and Units:

Worksheet: Fig. 2 Parameter Descriptions: Mean, Std dev, and SE data for soil organic matter decomposition (% Organic Matter) in Anaerobic and Aerobic treatment and control experiments. Worksheet: Fig. 3 Parameter Descriptions: For Figure: Mean gas production volumes from 5 substrates (Panicum marsh mat, Panicum rhizomes, Saggitaria tubers, Hydrocotyl (whole plant), Taxodium (needles)) and four kinds of incubation water (Distilled water, Control water, Experimental water collected at 200 m from the effluent pipe, Experimental water collected at 60 m from the effluent pipe). Raw Data: Cumulative volume (ml) data for all bottles in the experimental design described above. Worksheet: Fig. 5 Parameter Descriptions: For Figure: Mean cumulative gas production volumes (ml) for P. hemitomon incubated for 28 days with different water sources (DW=distilled water, CW=surface water from a reference marsh) with N and P additions. Raw Data: Cumulative volume (ml) data for all bottles in the experimental design described above. Worksheet: Fig. 6 Parameter Descriptions: For Figure: Mean cellulose decomposition data in relation to distance from the discharge location (in 10 cm intervals) compared to decomposition at a reference site for three different dates. Raw Data: Tensile strength data for control and reference sites mentioned above. Worksheet: Fig. 7 Parameter Descriptions: Mean Loss of tensile strength (% day-1) in cotton string with distance away from the pipe bringing wastewater effluent to the marsh. Raw Data: Site details.

Methods:

Experimental gas chambers used with different nutrient additions; soil strength measurements; string strength with decomposition

Instruments:

Gas chambers, cotton string, soil strength vane (Mecmesin Multi-Test 1-D dig-ital Motorized Test Standard and a Basic Force Gage equipped with spring loaded roller grips.)

Individual Files: