Biomass and growth of Zostera capricorni aschers. in port hacking, N.S.W., Australia

Abstract

The biomass and net productivity of the leaves of Zostera capricorni Aschers. were measured in an estuary near Sydney, New South Wales, at various times during the period 1976–1979. The mean standing crop biomass of leaves was 55 g dry wt. m −2, while mean relative growth rate ranged from 0.014 g g −1 day −1 in winter to 0.028 g g −1 day −1 over the summer months. Productivity was estimated by a leaf marking method, and showed a closer relationship to water temperature than to solar radiation. Data on leaf length composition indicate that new leaf production continues throughout the year.