Hello,
I need to estimate the surface area of Typha latifolia from biomass data. I know there are regressions available from submerged macrophytes - see:
- Armstrong N, Planas D, Prepas E, 2003, Potential for estimating macrophyte surface area from biomass, Aquatic Botany 75, 173-179
- Sher-Kaul S, Oertli B, Castella E, Lachavanne J, 1995, Relationship between biomass and surface area of six submerged aquatic plant species, Aquatic Botany 51, 147-154)
Does anyone know a regression to estimate surface area from biomass of reed (especially Typha latifolia)?
Many thanks in advance.
Marlene
dear marlene
i think it is necessary to explain the context why you want to calculate the surface (leaf area?) from the biomass. For submerged plants the surface area is interesting in ecophysiological research, as it correlates with nutrient uptake from and gas exchange with the water column. Why for emergent helophytes? In any case you cannot use formulas which have been developed for other growth forms and life forms. Typha has a very peculiar growth form only shared by some members of the family Typhaceae (Typha and Sparganium) in our flora, thus own measurements will be necessary
best
gerhard
Dear Gerhard,
thanks for your interest. I want to know the surface area of Typha, in order to estimate the organic matter content of its biofilm as a potential food source for macroinvertebrates. I have biomass data of Typha per m2 and I know the organic matter content of the biofipm per cm2. What I need is the total surface area of Typha per m2 to obtain the total organic matter of biofilm per m2.
Dear Marlene
Typha is living in 3 different worlds, in the air, in the water and in the sediment. for the above ground biomass a simple allometric correlation between biomas and plant height or average leaf length and biomass of a ramet will exist. this must be corrected for the average water level and for plant density. But I don't think that such simple correlations will hold, if the below-ground biomass is included. Typha has an extensive rhizome system in particular in autumn. I don't know whether these below ground parts are interesting for grazing macrofauna.
gerhard
Marlene, you should build the regression yourself, that way you will be using your own data within the actual context and environment your plant experiences. You can do that using the association between the size of easily measured characters (i.e., leaf length and leaf width) and the actual leaf surface area. You can take a sample including these and other characters (up to 30 points) making sure it represents the variation you observe in this system and come up with your own regression model. Alternatively, you can take photographs right above the leaves and use ImageJ to calculate the area. Hope these suggestions help. GA
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