Huisman, J.

Weissing, F.J.

English

Interactions between nutrient limitation and light limitation are fundamental for the dynamics and structure of phytoplankton communities. We investigate a model that predicts the outcome of competition for nutrients and light in a mixed water column on the basis of monoculture characteristics. Growth in monoculture leads to a steady state. The nutrient availability and light penetration in this steady state characterize the minimal resource requirements of a species. These minimal requirements not only determine monoculture growth but also the outcome of competition. We show that competition for nutrients and light can be investigated by means of a graphical isocline approach. In contrast to earlier resource-based approaches, our model predicts that it is not only the ratio of nutrient supply to light supply that matters for the outcome of competition but also their absolute supply rates. It is even possible that a species that competes successfully when there is a high or low light supply is displaced when the light supply is intermediate. Factors such as mixing depth and background turbidity also affect the composition of phytoplankton communities. Still. our model predicts that at most two species can stably coexist in a mixed water column. Hence, the spatial heterogeneity imposed by a light gradient is nor sufficient to solve Hutchinson's paradox of the plankton.</p

Dissertations of the University of Groningen

   University of GroningenCompetition for nutrients and light in a mixed water columnHuisman, J.; Weissing, F.J.Published in:American NaturalistIMPORTANT NOTE: You are advised to consult the publisher's version (publisher's PDF) if you wish to cite fromit. Please check the document version below.Document VersionPublisher's PDF, also known as Version of recordPublication date:1995Link to publication in University of Groningen/UMCG research databaseCitation for published version (APA):Huisman, J., & Weissing, F. J. (1995). Competition for nutrients and light in a mixed water column: Atheoretical analysis. American Naturalist, 146(4), 536-564. http://www.jstor.org/stable/2462978CopyrightOther than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download or to forward/distribute the text or part of it without the consent of theauthor(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license (like Creative Commons).The publication may also be distributed here under the terms of Article 25fa of the Dutch Copyright Act, indicated by the “Taverne” license.More information can be found on the University of Groningen website: https://www.rug.nl/library/open-access/self-archiving-pure/taverne-amendment.Take-down policyIf you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediatelyand investigate your claim.Downloaded from the University of Groningen/UMCG research database (Pure): http://www.rug.nl/research/portal. For technical reasons thenumber of authors shown on this cover page is limited to 10 maximum.Download date: 21-01-2023

Competition for nutrients and light in a mixed water column:A theoretical analysis

https://pure.rug.nl/ws/files/13449115/Huisman_Weissing_AmNat_1995.pdf

Competition for nutrients and light in a mixed water column:A theoretical analysis

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