The Role of Mangrove Ecosystems: Litter Production in Mangroves
Pool D and Lugo A. 1973. The Role of Mangrove Ecosystems: Litter Production in Mangroves. The Role of Mangrove Ecosystems. PB 231 746. Environmental Project No. DI-SFEP-74-39. National Technical Information Services, United States Department of Commerce. Springfield, VA
Prepared for Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. Seventy 0.25 m^2 baskets were placed in three different types of mangrove forests in the Ten Thousand Islands and at one site at Rookery Bay, Naples, Florida. Results of litter basket collections and separations are reported by component and species. Total litter fall ranged from a low of 1.4 g/m^2/day (estimated 511 g/m^2/year) to a high of 2.3 g/m^2/day (estimated 840 g/m^2/year). The total litter fall was composed of 75-85 percent leaves, 10-15 percent wood, and 4-5 percent miscellaneous (insect parts, grass, flowers, seeds, etc.). In 1972 the Rookery Bay site had the greatest daily rates of litter fall in the months of January, February, and March (2-5 g/m^2/day) with total litter fall remaining stable during the remainder of the year. High rates of litter fall are associated with low temperatures and seasonal storms.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Pool, Douglas; Lugo, Ariel
- Date of Issue
- 1973-07
- Publisher
- National Technical Information Services, United States Department of Commerce
- Units
- SFCN
- Keywords
- amount, Fertilizer, leaf fall, Nutrient Cycle, Nutrition, Organic Matter, Quantity