Seasonal Changes in Standing Crop, Primary Production, and Nutrient Levels in a Carex rostrata Wetland

Seasonal changes in above and below ground aspects of the life history of Carex rostrata Stokes were determined and used as a basis for the study of primary production and nutrient cycling in the ecosystem. Total number of shoots m2 did not vary greatly during the season, but many old shoots that had overwintered died. They were replaced by new young shoots which began to emerge in mid-July. Above ground primary production in this ecosystem was 540 g m72 yr-1 based on harvest data but 820 g m2 yr' based on weight of shoots present in permanent plots.