How grazing management can maximize erosion resistance of salt marshes

Combining natural saltmarsh habitats with conventional barriers can provide a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for fully engineered flood protection, provided that minimal salt marsh width be guaranteed long period. Hence, it is essential to understand both the key factors management options driving lateral erodibility/stability of marshes. We aimed determine how (i.e. grazing by large vs. small grazers artificial mowing), elevation age affect soil stability collapse) intrinsic erodibility marshes particle-by-particle detachment). Soil cores were collected in high low (above below 0.5 m MHWL, respectively) different ages. At these locations, we compared from grazed areas inside grazer exclosures, without mowing. All exposed waves flumes test their erodibility. characterized stable fine-grained layer deposited on top readily erodible sand. The thickness was parameter reducing instability (cliff collapse). This increased at lower elevations, but decreased cattle due compaction. erosion resistance (a) compacted trampling, (b) mowing excluded soil-bioturbating species, (c) promoted vegetation types higher root density. Synthesis applications. Overall, thinner cohesive and/or layers are more sensitive than deep soils, independently management. Grazing reduce making resilient erosion. However, compaction simultaneously leads elevation, potentially leading inundation under sea-level rise. effectively manage enhance contribution coastal recommend moderate/rotational livestock grazing, avoiding intensity sediment-poor systems rise investigating measures preserve grazers.