Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
15.
Calculations
. Loss of biomass due to decomposition is calculated as the differ-
ence between initial biomass and remaining biomass. All values are expressed on
a dry weight basis. Initial dry weight (pre-deployment) of the samples is calcu-
lated from the fresh weight of each sample and the average water content of the
five sub-samples determined in Step 3. Average rate of decomposition (per day) is
determined by dividing biomass loss by the incubation period. Compare the mean
biomass loss for the upland samples to that of the wetland samples.