Decomposition and nutrient dynamics in a Spartina alterniflora marsh of the Bahia Blanca estuary, Argentina

Abstract

, Descomposicao, Nutrientes, Marisma Argentina. Salt marshes are among the most productive systems in the world. As a consequence, they also produce great amounts of litter (e.g. BOUCHARD; LEFEUVRE, 2000; MONTEMAYOR et al., 2011), which becomes a large and renewable pool of organic matter and nutrients. Litter alternately releases and absorbs nutrients (especially of C, N and P) as it decomposes (JORDAN et al., 1989). Hence, detritus is a considerable energy source for microorganisms in the marsh and the adjacent estuary, being the basis of the food web in these ecosystems (MOORE et al., 2004). On the other hand, the concentration of C, N and P in the tissues and, most importantly, the ratios between them, are factors that determine the rate of decomposition (ENRIQUEZ et al., 1993; REJMANKOVA; HOUDKOVA, 2006).