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- Title
NET PRIMARY PRODUCTION. DECOMPOSITION AND EXPORT OF SPARTINA ANGLICA ON A SUFFOLK SALT-MARSH.
- Authors
Jackson, D.; Long, S. P.; Mason, C. F.
- Abstract
(1) An annual net primary shoot production (ANPPS) for S. anglica of 220 and 280 g C m-2 was recorded in 1979 and 1980 respectively on a salt marsh in Suffolk, eastern England. Root production was estimated at 180 and 230 g C m-2 yr-1. Shoot turnover was about 2.1 yr-1. and periods of growth and senescence overlapped to a large degree. Only 5–10% of S. anglica stems reached flowering maturity. (2) Total stem density was maximal in late summer, exceeding 2000 m-2 in September 1980. Live shoot biomass also reached a peak in late summer, exceeding 150 g C m-2 in both years. Production of leaves and stems was highest at the seaward edge of the salt marsh. (3) The rate of decomposition of standing dead S. anglica was estimated using litter bags of differing mesh size, and two differing methods of data analysis were compared. Results obtained using either method were in reasonable agreement. A loss of dead material equivalent to 29–32% of ANPPS per year was estimated due to microbes and micro-fauna, with an additional loss of ∼3 % ANPPS yr-1 due to meio-fauna. (4) Approximately 15–20%) yr-1 of ANPPS was exported from the site of production as particulate matter; of this, 70% entered the estuary and the remainder was removed to the strandline.
- Subjects
ENGLAND; SPARTINA anglica; SALT marshes; PLANT biomass; BIODEGRADATION; MEIOFAUNA; FORESTS &; forestry
- Publication
Journal of Ecology, 1986, Vol 74, Issue 3, p647
- ISSN
0022-0477
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2307/2260388