Estimation of the non-seasonal production of Spartina maritima (Curtis) Fernald in a South African Estuary

摘要: Net aerial production of Spartina maritima (Curtis) Fernald, in a warm temperature estuary Algoa Bay, South Africa, occurring possibly as an exotic, was estimated 523–680 g dry weight m−2 year−1. The method measurement designed here used community structure data and accounted for the species' extremely slow shoot (3.1–6.7 year−1) continuous leaf turnover (516–676 year−1). Standard methods other species failed by not accounting non-seasonal growth S. maritima. N, C, organic energy content live dead shoots remained constant through seasons. P : B ratio is 1.1, which lower than species, but agrees with low vigour shown negligible regrowth year after clipping. Decomposition rates were 90 mg g−1 month−1 winter 305 summer. Monthly decomposition values showed significant correlation air (r = 0.86; < 0.01), water 0.80; suggesting that monthly litterbag losses are valid means determining rate.