Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Volin, John C.

Abstract

The Big Cypress Swamp and the Everglades of South Florida are inherently oligotrophic ecosystems that in recent decades have been subjected to increasing agricultural nutrient inputs. While extensive research regarding deleterious effects of nutrient impacts has been conducted in the phosphorus-deficient Everglades, there is a lack of research in Big Cypress Swamp. This 12-month field study assessed the responsiveness of Taxodium distichum, Fraxinus caroliniana, and herbaceous vegetation to increased nutrient levels in Big Cypress Swamp. Six nutrient treatments (Control, N, P, K, 2K, and PxK) were applied to the soil surrounding these trees. F. caroliniana had higher photosynthetic rates with 2K treatments and higher growth rates with PxK treatments. T. distichum had higher Leaf Area Index in the P and PxK treatment but did not exhibit other responses to treatment. Herbaceous vegetation showed little response to treatments. This study concluded that potassium may be co-limiting in this ecosystem.

Extent

57 p.

Comments

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2004.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science

Identifier

FADT13129

Format

pdf

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