Establishment, growth and degeneration of ammophila arenaria in coastal sand dunes

Establishment of ammophila arenaria (marram grass (helm)) from culms, seeds and rhizones is discussed. Large-scale establishment and quantitative assement by remote sensing of this grass are discribed. Biotic soil factors affecting the growth and development of Ammophila arenaria are outlined. Characterization of soil organisms involved in the degeneration of ammophila arenaria are given. Harmful soil organisms in coastal foredunes causing degeration of ammophila arenaria and calammophila baltica are described. Colonization off the root zone ammophila arenaria by harmful soil organisms is discussed.