Abstract
Apparatus and method to measure the soil biota respiration was described. Daily production rates of a tropical pond community were measured and classified into different types. High production rates of hydrophytes were associated with low amounts of plant biomass both in the field and under experimental conditions on bright and overcast days. Decrease in the production rates on overcast days was 2 to 3 fold up to 353.75 g/m3. Highly turbid pond water was twofold less productive than clear waters. Summer pulse in the production rates was recorded. Plankton as well as soil biota respiratory rates were higher during summer due to higher tropical temperatures. The efficiency ratios of individuals and trophic levels compared favourably with those reported earlier. The high respiration efficiency ratios for herbivores may be due to high temperatures. The input and output of energy of the tropical pond community were measured and the energy flow diagram was constructed. The community metabolism of the tropical pond community was much higher than the communities whose metabolism has been studied else where.
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