Groundwater salinity and maritime forest loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) growth

REU Fellow: Jovannie Gomez, The University of Texas at El Paso

Mentors: Dr. CJ Pell, Dr. Georgianne Moore

Sapelo Island is a barrier island in southeastern Georgia, alongside the Atlantic Ocean. Like other barrier islands, Sapelo is also facing the impact of rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion. Converting freshwater into saltwater has led to a significant increase in the mortality rate of native loblolly pines and a noticeable decline in the growth of trees in the affected areas. Question: How does soil and groundwater salinity impact the growth of loblolly pine on a barrier island? Our study objective was to determine the relationship between groundwater salinity and historical growth rates of trees growing near and far from a saltwater source (manmade ditch) that is altered by sea level rise and channelization. We hypothesized that trees close to the manmade ditch would grow slower over time because of stress associated with increasing salt levels.