Animal Sciences Commons^™

Submergent Macrophytes In Theresa Marsh, James Mcnelly, Jeffrey Klopatek

Field Station Bulletins

Marshes form the interface between upland and aquatic systems and, like most transitional zones, provide habitat diversity which may support a great variety of life. Marshes may act as valves or sinks to regulate the flow of mineral nutrients from terrestrial systems (especially from agricultural or urban systems) to aquatic zones. Freshwater marshes and wetlands are ranked with coastal estuaries as highly productive areas and play an important role in converting the sun's energy to organic matter.