Growth Dynamics, Production, and Nutrient Status of the Seagrass Cymodocea nodosa in a Mediterranean Semi‐Estuarine Environment

Abstract

Abstract. Cymodocea nodosa is a relatively small seagrass species which is common in the Mediterranean. An intensive survey on its growth and production was carried out in a dense, monospecific stand located in a semi‐estuarine embayment. Data on leaf appearance and growth, shoot recruitment and death, rhizome growth, above‐ and belowground biomass, and nutrient content in the different parts of the plant were obtained over 2 years. All these variables showed a clear seasonality. In general, maximum growth and production occurred in early summer (July), and maximum biomass was reached between July and September. Biomass, shoot density, growth and production showed clear minima in winter.