A preliminary investigation of primary production and decomposition in four peatlands near Schefferville, Québec

Total aboveground plant production in four mires near Schefferville, northern Québec, was estimated at 114 to 335 g m −2 year −1 , with sedges (Carex spp.) making the greatest contribution. The litter-bag technique was used to determine the mass loss from decomposing tissue over 1 year and losses ranged from 6.4 to 26.6%, of which approximately 65% occurred during the winter months. Nutrient releases from decomposing litter are slow, generally proceeding in the sequence K > Mg > Ca > N, P. Tissue quality (nutrient, cellulose, and lignin content) appears to exercise a greater influence on decay rates than do environmental parameters (pH and temperature).