Primary production of edaphic algal communities in a Delaware salt marsh1

摘要: Gross primary production of edaphic algae was estimated for five areas in a high salinity tidal marsh near Lewcs, Delaware. Salt pan and bare bank (free angiosperms) algal did not vary significantly from one part the year to another. Algal productivity tall Spartina alterniflora Distichlis spicata greatest midJanuary mid-May. In short S. area decrease warmest as it two other grass areas. Annual cycles light, tcmpcrature, were measured. about third angiosperm net production. Since much occurs when angiosperms are dormant, complements pattern energy fixation. Primary salt has three components: angiosperms, planktonic algae, attached algae. Many investigators have examined aerial (e.g. Keefe 1972). Phytoplankton major stream channels Georgia system measured by Ragotzkic (1959) Pomeroy ( 1959) same marsh. Production soil at low tide winter highest summer, but total daily (high values combined) different seasons. WC believed that more northern would differ Georgia. addition affecting activities directly, differcnt climatic conditions indirectly affect through their influence on angiosperms. This study undertaken measure produc1 Part thesis submitted degree Ph.D. University Dclawarc. rcscarch supported Pittman-Robertson funds made available State Delaware’s Division Fish Wildlife, Department Natural Resources Environmental Control. 2 Present address : Marine Institute, The Georgia, Sapelo Island 31327. tion Delaware examine potential relationships between some environmental factors. Materials rmthods communities associated with Canary Creek Lewes, Delaware, wcrc studied year. were: (ca. 145 cm) Loisel. stand along creek, 25 higher marsh, stands, L. Greene stand, pan. Randomly selected samples taken each 15 times during year, data illuminance, temperature, (surface interstitial water ) , surface pH, height spcrmatophytc cover collected using standard equipment. Soil obtained coring plastic tubing. Water movement transport significant since average pcrcolation rates these saturated soils (57% water) 0.37 ml hr-l cm-2 (SE = 0.08). Evaporation reduced lightly stoppering tubes. Interstitial wrapping LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY 390 MAY 1974, V. 19(3) Marsh 391