Publication Abstract

Experiments in nutrient limitation in bottles

D.H. Cushing and J.W. Horwood

A simple model is used to illustrate the character of production, within an incubarion bottle subject to addition of a potentially limiting nutrient, over time periods long relative to the algal dynamics (1 to 10 days). Grazing by microhetertrophs significantly affects algal and nutrient dynamics, and production reflects the integration over time of grazing and nutrient regulated growth. Greater production is found with increased nutrient. But this increase continues into the region of luxuriant nutrient. Increased production per se cannot be used to determine whether a nutrient is limiting.

Reference:

D.H. Cushing and J.W. Horwood, 1998. Experiments in nutrient limitation in bottles. Journal of Plankton Research, 20(8): 1527-1538