Biomass and resource allocation of Typha angustifolia L. (Typhaceae): The effect of within and between year variations in salinity1

WHIGHAM, D. F., T. E. JORDAN AND J. MIKLAS (Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Box 28, Edgewater, MD 21037). Biomass and resource allocation of Typha angustifolia L. (Typhaceae): The effect of within and between year variations in salinity. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 116: 364-370. 1989.-In a brackish wetland dominated by Typha angustifolia, we found similar aboveground and belowground production at three sites which had very different salinity regimes. There were, however, significant differences between the three areas in shoot density, height, and biomass. Density was greatest in the site with highest salinity while height and biomass were greatest at the site with lowest salinity. There were also differences in the distribution of belowground biomass with roots and rhizomes restricted to shallower depths at the site with highest salinity. Long-term study plots in one area have shown that interannual changes in salinity can result in an almost 75% difference in net aboveground biomass.