Nitrogen and phosphorus bioaccumulations of Phragmites australis in Yatsu Tidal Flat

Abstract

Measurements of nitrogen and phosphorus bioaccumulation in the leaves, stems, rhizomes, and spikelets of reeds (Phragmites australis) in the Yatsu Tidal Flat were carried out monthly from June 2013 to January 2014. The reeds increased in length, in stem and rhizome circumference, and in biomass until October. After November, the reeds started to senescence and biomass decreased. Storage of nitrogen and phosphorus in the leaves and stems was higher from August–October than during other months, while storage in the rhizomes (at 10 cm depth from the sediment surface) was low throughout the investigation period. Aboveground nitrogen and phosphorus storage in the leaves, stems, and spikelets accounted for more than 90 % of stores of these nutrients in this study.