A preliminary investigation of primary production and decomposition in four peatlands near Schefferville, Québec

Abstract

Total aboveground plant production in four mires near Schefferville, northern Québec, was estimated at 114 to 335 g m⁻² year⁻¹, with sedges (Carex spp.) making the greatest contribution. The litter-bag technique was used to determine the mass loss from decomposing tissue over 1 year and losses ranged from 6.4 to 26.6%, of which approximately 65% occurred during the winter months. Nutrient releases from decomposing litter are slow, generally proceeding in the sequence K > Mg > Ca > N, P. Tissue quality (nutrient, cellulose, and lignin content) appears to exercise a greater influence on decay rates than do environmental parameters (pH and temperature).