Competition between Glyceria Maxima and Phragmites Communis in the Region of Surlingham Broad: I. The Competition Mechanism

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Abstract
The growth and productivity of Glyceria maxima and Phragmites communis are examined in an area of primary fen in which they are known to have succeeded one another in turn in the normal course of succession. Evidence is presented to show that (1) both species exhibit a reduction in growth from front to back of the fen which is at least partly independent of competition effects; (2) the method of growth reduction differs morphologically in the two species; (3) the eventual success of Phragmites in the later stages of the succession is probably due to its greater tolerance of unfavorable substrate conditions; and (4) there is a distinct seasonal effect in the suppressive action of one species on the other.