Production and decomposition of Spartina foliosa in Bahia San Quintin, B.C., Mexico

Net aerial primary production, total production, aboveground biomass, turnover time, decomposition and total detritus production were estimated in a Spartina foliosa area at Bahía San Quintín, B.C. The study took place during the period March-August, 1992. The net aerial primary production values were high (4.72 g/m2/day) and turnover time short (5.4 months) compared with other coastal lagoons in the area. Two distinct periods were observed in the aboveground biomass level, one during May with the minimum value (323 g/m2) and another during June-August with high values (mean = 1,017 g/m2). The observed decomposition rate value was high (63%/159 days) compared with those reported in studies that started in winter in other areas. Total detritus production was estimated (1,050 tons/222 ha/159 days). We conclude that the S. foliosa area at Bahía San Quintín is a highly productive system with a fast recovering capacity. Further research is recommended focusing particularly on the marsh’s total organic detritus contribution to the adjacent lagoon system.