Ocean and Polar Research ISSN:2234-7313(Online) Ocean and Polar Research

This study examined the growth pattern and environmental factors affecting the growth of the halophyte, Suaeda japonica, which is prevalent on tidal flats in the west coast of Korea in order to calculate annual carbon production. Quantitative sampling was conducted every month for three years from 2018 to 2020 on salt marshes located on the southern coast of Ganghwa Island. In terms of annual density affected by the germination rate at first period, especially when air temperature for winter time was constantly below 0°C for long periods of time, germination decreased and precipitation in summer also exerted an influence. In terms of annual growth with regard to length, the part below the ground grew rapidly in the beginning after budding, while the part above ground grew at a relatively steady rate at all times. With regard to biomass, the part below the ground also increased from April in a manner similar to length growth, but decreased drastically from September with leaves falling off and water loss occurring. The part above ground showed a rapid increase from the beginning of the rainy season. Size-frequency distribution revealed broader patterns after the rainy season as individual growth varied, but from September, it stopped at all year. High growth rates were recorded in the initial phase of growth after budding and growth was rapid, but growth declined in summer when biomass increased. The annual mean production based on growth rate was calculated at 352 gDWt/m²/yr, and the highest production was 519 gDWt/m²/yr in 2018, but it has decreased since 2019. Annual carbon production was at calculated 143.41 gC/m²/yr for Suaeda japonica in the vicinity of the southern coast of Ganghwa Island.