Transcript Document

Phragmites vs Spartina
Paul Sarandria
Erick Larson
Richard Neefe
Dan Borick
Abstract

The purpose of this study is to
determine the abiotic and biotic factors
that support the successful
encroachment of Phragmites upon
Spartina. This project will utilize GLOBE
standards and protocols.
Question/Hypothesis
What factors effect the encroachment of
Phragmites australis upon Spartina
alterniflora?
 Phragmites is better suited to occupy
wetland regions of the Elizabeth River
watershed than Spartina.

Introduction/Background

Spartina artinaflora
is the native species
of cordgrass.
 Provides habitat and
food for a variety of
organisms.
 Acts as a ‘sponge’ to
absorb pollutants
and sediments.
Introduction/Background




Phragmites is a nonnative, invasive species
of cordgrass.
Grows fast and is long
lived.
Can grow as high as six
feet tall.
Doesn’t support food
web.
Significance

While both plants have ecological
importance, Phragmites does not
support the local food chain and does
not support the habitat of regionally
native species.
Materials

Materials as prescribe by the following
GLOBE protocols; Hydrology (water temp.,
salinity, and pH), soil characterization (soil
temp. and soil pH), land cover/biology
(manual land cover mapping, computerized
multispec land cover mapping, land cover
change detection), GPS protocol
 Digital camera; Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2
with tripod.
 Computer with internet access.
Methods
Establish weather station using GLOBE
protocols.
 Identify study site in salt marsh.
 Clear study sites based upon control
methods developed by Virginia
Cooperative Extension.
 GLOBE protocols to study soil
characterization and soil pH.

Methods
GLOBE protocols for hydrology (water
temperature, salinity, and pH).
 Use Lumix camera to document growth
of cord grasses (develop animated GIF
to show growth).
 GLOBE land mapping protocols to
compare present to historical salt
marsh.

Data Transformation
Data will be reported to
GLOBE web site on a weekly basis.
 GLOBE weather data will be reported
on a daily basis.

Standards
Life Science: 1,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
Physical Science: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
For further clarification see the following
web site www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/instruction/sol.html