LE3 .A278 2021

2021

Walker, Allison
Kernaghan, Gavin

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Biology

Biology

Coastal salt marshes are distinctive ecosystems known for providing many ecosystem services, however little is known of the biology of decomposer taxa in these systems. This study employed a litter bag experiment to characterize the fungal and mite communities associated with the dominant salt marsh grass, Sporobolus pumilus, in the Minas Basin, Nova Scotia. Decomposition rates of above-ground and below-ground tissues, and environmental variables were quantified to contextualize temporal patterns in community composition. Litter bag mass loss peaked in July, which positively correlated with fungal richness. Seventeen fungal species and 26 mite species were encountered. The fungal species were described in this study. Fungal and mite richness displayed inverse relationships over time, suggesting the presence of a complex detrital network that extends beyond decomposition of salt marsh grasses. Overall, this preliminary study offers a first look at decomposer biodiversity associated with S. pumilus in Canada.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3684