The Relation of the Spartinetum glabrae Near Beaufort, North Carolina, to Certain Edaphic Factors

Abstract

Ditched transects were made across the Spartinetum glabrae from its outer (seaward edge) into the next landward community. The nature of the adjacent communities, both above and below ground, was detd. Edaphic factors, including total air capacity, field moisture content at low tide, drainage, and salinity of the soil soln. were measured. Quantitative relationships of each factor at 3 positions across each transect revealed significant differences in both salinity and drainage due to place. Thus it appears that the landward development of the Spartinetum glabrae is favored by a flat shoreline where drainage is so poor and salinity of the soil soln. is so high that other less tolerant species are unable to compete successfully.