https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Index ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:765 Thu 13 May 2021 07:35:22 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10637 7 days) but could survive submergence of short duration (< 7 days) through continuous underwater photosynthesis, accumulation of osmolytes such as oxalic acid and carotenoid, and maintenance of relative water content and succulence within control levels. When considered together, results showed that the two upper intertidal species were sensitive to waterlogging and would not survive complete submergence, whereas the lower intertidal species could in addition to its natural range, thrive in conditions typical of the upper intertidal range, namely prolonged dry conditions and high sediment salinity. These results have important implications for the future management of salt marshes under predicted climate change conditions. In permanently open South African estuaries, a landward migration of salt marsh will be possible if coastal squeeze is limited and the rate of landward recruitment is on par with sea level rise. In this case salt marsh species would retain their current zonation while shifting inland. Increased sea storms and saltwater intrusion could lead to high salinity concentration in the sediment and significantly reduce growth of salt-sensitive plants. In estuaries that are temporarily open to the sea, reduced freshwater inflow will result in an increase in mouth closure, high water levels, prolonged submergence, and consequently die back of salt marsh vegetation. On the other hand increased abstraction and drought would result in low water levels and high sediment salinity which would decrease growth and survival of salt marsh. This research has provided new knowledge on the ecophysiology of salt marsh plants which can be used to predict the responses of plants to climate change.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 07:33:25 SAST ]]> https://commons.ru.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10071 Thu 13 May 2021 03:52:05 SAST ]]>