succession in a Halosere

succession in a Halosere

what is a Halosere?

Land that is first raised out of the ocean is often waterlogged with saltwater and subjected to a lot of wind. A Halosere is an environment characterised by its saline conditions, and is a specialist environment, in which only specially adapted species of plant and animals can thrive.

'a series of communities displaying a successional sequence where the plants are adapted to salt water'

climax

how are saltmarshes formed?

preconditions

there are three main conditions needed for the formation of a salt marsh

This is the final stage of plant succession. The salt marsh is now rarely submerged by water, due to the increased height in land created by plant cover. No further changes occur within the salt marsh, apart from the possibility of human influence and plant death.

• very little wave action: the lack of energy in the water allows for the deposition of fine particles, such as mud, clay and silt. If the wave movement was high, these particles would remain in suspension.
• shelter from exposure: the reason salt marshes are often found on the leeward side of spits is because this offers the area protection for development.
• a source of mud: this can be provided by the sea

Juncus Maritimus, characterises the climactic stage of succession

salt marshes are normally formed in areas of low energy, such as behind spits or in estuaries. A collection of silt is deposited, enabling salt tolerant plants to develop, known as halophytes.

continuing development

stabilisation

a variety of successful and dominant species are established, as competition is reduced. Fewer changes occur here, and most of the foliage cover is established by this time

the main influence in this stage of development is the presence of 'pioneer plants' allowing for the soil to become stable and prepared for the process of succession. These plants are the primary halophytes, and their roots allow the soil to bond. Once small pioneer plants have germinated, the Halosere is in the primary succession stage.

Lots of bare ground is left in this stage, as most plants find it difficult to survive in such uncompromising conditions so early into the process of succession.

Cochlearia officinalis, an example of a plant found at this stage of succession

spartina, a pioneer species

the development of saltmarshes is a successional process, moving from preconditions, through continuing development, establishment, competition, stabilisation and climax

establishment

competition

in this stage, there is far less bare ground available. Growing halophytes have begun to form a layer of vegetation over most of the marsh, combining all areas of soil. The species number increases here also, allowing for an extension of biodiversity.

In this stage, a competition is formed between opportunistic species (those which die young but grow quickly) and those which take longer to grow but will sustain themselves and dominate the halosere (equilibrium species).

puccinellia maritima

the number of species present continues to increase due to favourable abiotic factors

Armeria Maritima, an equilibrium species

animals in a saltmarsh

by Toby Penford

sparrow

diamondback terrapin

periwinkle

marsh rabbit