Abstract
One basin of a small, double-basin lake was fertilized with carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus for eight years, and then fertilization was stopped. The other basin was fertilized simultaneously with equivalent amounts of carbon and nitrogen only. Phytoplankton primary production was monitored using an incubator–numerical model technique. Production increased dramatically in the basin receiving artificial additions of C, N, and P. The increase was particularly large in the epilimnion where Cyanophyte blooms occurred during each year of fertilization and production rates averaged 2 to 10 times higher than in nearby, unfertilized reference lakes. Phosphorus, not nitrogen or carbon, was the critical nutrient. The productivity of the other basin also increased, but to a lesser degree and no Cyanophyte blooms were observed in this basin. When all fertilization was terminated, production in both basins immediately decreased. No more surface blooms were observed in either basin. Within 3 yr, the production had dropped to levels typical of reference lakes.
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: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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.
