Smooth Cordgrass (top)
Example of Food Chain (middle)
Locations of Smooth Cordgrass (bottom)Smooth CordGrass is one of it common names. More names of Smooth grass are Saltmarsh/Saltwater Cordgrass. Smooth Grass is known as in scientific world as Spartina Alternifora lois. It can be found in high and low lands of the marsh. In addition, smooth cord grass can be grow in freshwater, it does not need saltwater to grow. In some cases, its proven that smooth cordgrass is extremely hard to remove when its located in freshwater area than saltwater.
Physical/Geology Interactions
Smooth cordgrass is know to being an invasive plant. Some people call it a"weed" because it grows and spreads so fast.Because it growth characteristics, smooth grass can be found in high and low land of the salt marsh. Smooth grass can be use to block erosion near the banks or shoreline of the salt marsh enabling sediments to collect building up sediments to the point of land is formed. Smooth grass prevents natural erosion of land by its complex roots growing outward to hold the sediment together. To add on to that, Smooth cordgrass's never really stop growing.During the summer you can see proof of it growing above the soil but in the winter season its roots continue grow. While above the soild, the plant turns brown. Smooth cordgrass also add to sediment when it decomposes, adding a layer of nutrient to sediments around it.
Chemical interaction
Smooth grass do not really do any chemical action other than conducting photosystis for creating food and growing. However, the chemical make of the water do effect its growth. For example the ppt level effects the growth of the plant. If the ppt level is low, the growth of the plant is greater. Converly, if the ppt is high, the growth of the plants seem to decrease.
Eco interaction
Smooth cordgrass is at the bottom of the food chain. It's seed are eaten by marshbirds, songbirds,sharp-tailed sparrows and several species of the salt marsh. During the winter, Geese are know to eat the root stocks. Also smooth cordgrass is know to provide shelter to species in the juvenile stages.
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