CM 



£ 



a 

 C 



(0 



a 

 a 



4) 



> 



a 







0.10 



0.20 



0.30 



0.40 



0.50 



Soli Density 



Figure 3. Relationship between soil bulk density and standing crop biomass of Spartina 

 alterniflora (from DeLaune et al. 1988). 



It should be noted that continuing subsidence will eventually increase water depths beyond the 

 threshold that even Spartina alterniflora will endure. Unless organic production by emergent 

 species can keep up with the accretion deficit, the adaptation alternative will serve only to increase 

 the life expectancy of our mashes. Given the highly organic nature of our soils, the historic 

 significance of plant production to accretion rates is obviously important. Therefore, it is critical 

 that a model of projected subsidence rates be developed on a coast-wide basis that can be adjusted 



83 



