Abstract
Abstract Experiments described in the literature have demonstrated that additions of N, Fe, and occasionally P, influence planktonic cyanobacterial nitrogen fixation in lakes and estuaries throughout the world. Increase in abundance of cyanobacteria which can fix nitrogen did not necessarily indicate that N2 fixation had occurred. In natural plankton assemblages, N2 fixation was normally stimulated by low total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) and depressed by additions of TIN. Nitrogenase was often stimulated by addition of Fe but soluble reactive phosphate (SRP) alone only stimulated nitrogenase activity occasionally. Luxury consumption and storage of P, but not N, explains the lack of P stimulation in nature. Nitrogenase activity was usually repressed at TIN oncentrations of >50–100 μg l‐1. Additions of N + P had variable effects which may depend on the balance between nitrogenase inhibition by N and general growth stimulation by N + P (which reduces ambient N).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
