The relative importance of biotic and abiotic vectors in nutrient transport

摘要: The mass of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium) imported during 1984 1985 to the North. Inlet Estuary, Georgetown County, South Carolina, by precipitation runoff was compared with that a colonial-nesting wading bird, white ibis (Eudocimus albus). From late March through June both years, breeding ibises North Estuary study site from freshwater bottomland forest swamps, where they fed on crayfishes (Procambaridae). Although relatively wet year, in season preceded severe winter-spring drought. In nested higher numbers, had per-pair success, 11 times more than 1985. Nutrient input atmospheric sources substantially lower 9% as much nitrogen, 33% 0.4% 0.3% calcium estuary did sources. nutrient amounted only 0.2% 2.9% ≪1% potassium Our results show inputs estuaries birds can be substantial when compared, those vary considerably among years. They also suggest regimes large assemblages may differ significantly lacking such colonies. *** DIRECT SUPPORT A01BY058 00006