Abstract
The vast expanses of the cordgrass, S. alterniflora, in the marshes of Sapelo Island so impress the scientist as well as the casual viewer, that early workers assumed this species was the only significant primary producer. Indeed, the first studies supported this view. By the early 1960s production of Spartina leaves and stems had been measured and found to be among the most productive natural plant populations (Teal, 1962). The golden-brown layer of diatoms on the creek banks and marsh surface was also found to contribute significantly to primary production, albeit its production was just a small fraction of that of the grass (Pomeroy, 1959). However, early measurements indicated that phytoplankton production was trivial (Ragotzkie, 1959).
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1981 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Pomeroy, L.R., Darley, W.M., Dunn, E.L., Gallagher, J.L., Haines, E.B., Whitney, D.M. (1981). Primary Production. In: Pomeroy, L.R., Wiegert, R.G. (eds) The Ecology of a Salt Marsh. Ecological Studies, vol 38. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-5893-3_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-5893-3_3
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-5895-7
Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-5893-3
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive