Relationships between production, nutrient accumulation, and chlorophyll synthesis in an Eleocharis quadrangulata population

Abstract

Maximum standing crop in an Eleocharis quadrangulata population was estimated at 881 g dry wt./m2. Net daily productivity was highest during May when about 50% of the total standing crop was produced. Net productivity for the entire period of vegetative increase, April 1 to August 4, was 7.0 g/m2 per day. The accumulation of several nutrients, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium was proportionately more rapid than dry matter production during early spring growth. Net chlorophyll synthesis was also greater during early spring. Patterns of change in dry matter and chemical substances in the E. quadrangulata population were similar to those in populations of other emergent aquatic macrophytes.