Modelling seasonal dynamics of biomasses and nitrogen contents in a seagrass meadow (Zostera noltii Hornem.): application to the Thau lagoon (French Mediterranean coast)

摘要: Abstract Anumerical deterministic model for a seagrass ecosystem (Zostera noltii meadows) has been developed the Thau lagoon. It involves both above- and belowground biomasses, nitrogen quotas epiphytes. Driving variables are light intensity, wind speed, rain data water temperature. This coupled to another biological in order simulate relative contributions of each primary producer to: (i) total production, (ii) impact on inorganic (iii) fluxes towards detritus compartment. As first step modelling beds lagoon, vertical structure based four boxes (a box top three sediment boxes) horizontal variability is neglected until now. simple nevertheless representative shallow depth Z. meadows, spread over large areas at lagoon periphery. After calibration, simulation results have compared with situ measurements shown that able reproduce general pattern biomasses contents seasonal dynamics. Moreover, show that, such ecosystems, seagrasses remain most productive compartment when epiphytes or phytoplankton productions, seagrasses, probably due their ability taking nutrients sediment, lower nutrient concentration column than phytoplankton. Furthermore, spite active mechanisms internal redistribution reclamation, occurrence limitation growth during summer, already mentioned literature, also pointed out by model. Finally, simulations seems point could compete column, while competition resources be more likely between seagrasses.