Nutrient controls on ecosystem dynamics: the Chesapeake mesohaline community

摘要: Abstract Ecological researchers have long borrowed concepts from the theory of chemical kinetics to describe nutrient dynamics in ecosystems. Contemporary ecology, however, is process creating its own suite ideas quantify how whole ecosystems develop. In particular, ecosystem ascendency can be applied data on simultaneous flows various constituents determine which element limiting each species via individual input. That is, Liebig's law minimum appears a corollary broader description whole-system development. Application method networks carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous flowing through 36 major compartments Chesapeake Bay reveals that, although limits production by most planktonic benthic compartments, nekton appear using phosphorus proportions. If one links together components controlling into node, new sometimes dramatic picture emerges. Not surprisingly, during summer root control system recycle between particulate organic materials sediments their attached bacteria. No coherent pattern evident autumn turnover, whereas winter spring ultimate exerted feedback `microbial loop' that involves both N P.