Structural and Functional Aspects of the Ecology of Submerged Aquatic Macrophyte Communities in the Lower Chesapeake Bay. Volume 1. Studies on Structure and Function of a Temperate, Estuarine Seagrass Community: Vaucluse Shores, Lower Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, USA

摘要

There is increasing evidence which suggests that primary production in both marine and estuarine systems is generally nitrogen limited. Orth (1977) demonstrated a positive growth response in Zostera marina communities in the Bay to added commercial fertilizer treatments. These data together with the consistent and predictable pattern for the depth distribution of seagrasses in the Lower Chesapeake Bay suggests that light (and/or factors influencing the quality and quantity of the light regime) and nutrients are principal factors governing the distribution and metabolism of the submerged aquatic plant communities. The overall objectives of the studies are given in the report.