A comparative ecophysiological study on the effects of waterlogging and submergence on dune slack plants: growth, survival and mineral nutrition in sand culture experiments.

The effects of waterlogging and submergence on the growth, survival and mineral nutrition of four pioneer plants from wet dune slacks are compared. The results reveal a correlation between growth and nutrient acquisition under waterlogged conditions, survival under submerged conditions and 'root porosity'. Growth reduction due to waterlogging may be effected by a reduction in uptake and transport of major nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Harmful effects of submergence in more or less flooding-sensitive species can be alleviated to some extent by growing them in mixed culture with Juncus maritimus Lamk.