Table 2 compares above and below ground biomass estimates in a Puerto Rican and a South Florida red mangrove forest. It seems that if all root material is taken into account, below ground biomass may exceed above ground estimates. However, all biomass estimates are probably highly variable from forest to forest. Another method of estimating production is net amount of carbon. In general, Red mangroves have the greatest net production, Blacks intermediate, and Whites the lowest figures of net primary production.
Leaves fall all year with a minor peak in early summers.
Additionally, sporadic litter fall exists after stress. Few animals graze directly on mangroves. Primary consumers are the decomposers. Bacteria and protozoans colonize plant litter and begin breaking it down chemically into organic compounds, minerals, CO2, and nitrogenous wastes. Amphipods and other small grazers speed up the process by reducing the litter mechanically to detritus.