Primary productivity of emergent macrophytes in a Wisconsin freshwater marsh ecosystem

Journal Article · Sun Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978 · Am. Midl. Nat.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/2424831· OSTI ID:5775577

Klopatek, J M; Stearns, F W

In 1972 primary production of various emergent macrophytes was examined in Theresa Marsh, a shallow, semimanaged impoundment in southeastern Wisconsin. Dominant macrophytes included Typha latifolia, Scirpus fluviatilis, Carex lacustris, Phalaris arundinacea and a shrub, Salix interior. Seasonal patterns of production as well as total production varied greatly among species. With estimates for litter loss and belowground production, annual net primary production ranged from 1181 g/m/sup 2//year for Carex lacustrris to nearly 3200 g/m/sup 2//year for Typha latifolia. Peak standing crop values were generally among the highest reported. Average productivities during the growing season, however, were relatively low, ranging from 6.31 to 10.52 g/m/sup 2//day for aboveground standing crops. Primary production was also estimated for transient species that occurred on mud flats following a marsh drawdown. The high primary production within the marsh appears to be based on high nutrient levels as indicated by the marsh water and soil chemistry.

• Research Organization: Wisconsin Univ., Milwaukee
• OSTI ID: 5775577
• Journal Information: Am. Midl. Nat.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Midl. Nat.; (United States) Vol. 100:2; ISSN AMNAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520100* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIOMASS
ECOSYSTEMS
ENERGY SOURCES
GREAT LAKES REGION
MARSHES
MINERAL CYCLING
NORTH AMERICA
NUTRIENTS
PLANTS
PRODUCTIVITY
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
USA
VARIATIONS
WISCONSIN