SURVEY METHOD FOR ESTIMATING POTENTIAL LEVELS OF MANGROVE FOREST PRIMARY PRODUCTION

Measurements of net photosynthesis in mangrove communities by direct methods is technically and logistically difficult. Recording litter fall alone neglects other important components of production. A method has been developed which lends itself to ready application for obtaining survey estimates of photosynthetic yield. The procedure involves measurement of light attenuation through forest canopies attributable to photosynthetic utilization and standardized against leaf pigment assays. Rates of assimilation are assumed from the literature. Production estimates range between 16 and 26 kgC ha-1 day-1. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.