Establishment of vegetation for shoreline stabilization in Galveston Bay, Texas

Abstract

Adaptation of species for shoreline stabilization; use of wave-stilling devices; effects of fertilizers, water salinity, tidal fluctuations, and selected soil characteristics on plant establishment and growth were studied along the north shore of East Bay at Galveston, Texas. Water salinity varied throughout the study with rainfall and evaporation, but never exceeded 18,500 ppm. Soil texture was classified as a loam or clay-loam. Soil pH, salinity, and cation concentrations fluctuated with bay water salinity, rainfall, evaporation, and location in relation to tidal zones. Initial transplantation of plants was accomplished by hand. Subsequently, a technique for mechanical planting of plant tillers was developed and used at low tide. Planting with the use of the mechanical device was accomplished behind wave-stilling devices Wave-stilling devices were constructed of hay bales wrapped in chicken-wire netting and held in place by metal posts. Fourteen-gage welded mesh wire was substituted for chicken-wire in a later attempt with hay bales. Tires on cables held in place by metal posts also were tried as wave-stilling devices. Wave-stilling devices constructed of hay bales and 14- gage welded mesh wire or chicken wire did not withstand high-wave energies. Tires on cables attached to posts lost their effectiveness as they sank into the bay bottom.