Redfield ratio nitrogen cycle

A proper balance of nutrients is required for plant growth. In marine systems, the stoichiometry of primary production is determined by the ratio of elements in the cytoplasm (Redfield ratio) that supports optimal metabolism of phytoplankton (Redfield, 1958). The C N P ratio is fairly constant in marine phytoplankton, and this ratio in primary producers constrains the cycling of aU elements (Elser et al., 2000). The amount and proportions of nitrogen and phosphorus available determine the amount of carbon fixed by phytoplankton. Limitation by either of these... 

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