GERATOLOGY AND DECOMPOSITION OF SPARTINA-ALTERNIFLORA LOISEL IN A NEW-BRUNSWICK SALT-MARSH

In a saltmarsh in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Spartina alterniflo ra had a 5 month growing period. Shoot extension was highest between J uly and August, and the largest number of leaves were added between Ju ne and July. Some leaves began to senesce in the first month of the gr owing season, but over 50% remained alive until September. Approximate ly 20% of the leaves became detached from the plant between May and De cember. Between September and December (snowfall), such leaves lost ov er 60% of their mass. Compared to predried leaves in litterbags, natur ally decaying leaves accumulated more fungal species (16 vs. 9) and er gosterol (up to 125 mu g g(-1) vs. less than or equal to 50 mu g g(-1) ), and fewer bacteria. Losses of mass, phenolics, and sugars in the fi rst 14 days were higher in litterbag leaves.