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2329983 
Journal Article 
Nitrogen, macrophytes, shallow lakes and nutrient limitation: resolution of a current controversy? 
Moss, B; Jeppesen, E; Sondergaard, M; Lauridsen, TL; Liu, Z 
2013 
Yes 
Hydrobiologia
ISSN: 0018-8158
EISSN: 1573-5117 
710 
1 
3-21 
WOS:000318170200002 
Phosphorus (P) is conventionally thought to limit production in freshwaters and nitrogen (N) that in the sea. Before much human activity, however, co-limitation by N and P was probably normal, with systems developing ratios of N to P tending to the Redfield ratio. Single-factor limitation may be a symptom of human activity in many cases. It is widely believed that N fixation should compensate for N shortage because N fixers are ubiquitous and versatile, but this is not always the case and the issue has hitherto been considered largely with respect to plankton communities. Effects of N on macrophyte communities provide justification for control of both nutrients, at least in shallow lakes and estuaries. Increased N loading reduces plant biodiversity, changes the structure, and is associated with eventual loss, of macrophyte communities. P control alone may suffice in many deep lakes where denitrification is low and stratified conditions favour cyanobacterial development. Therein may lie a resolution to current controversies. 
Limiting nutrient; Biodiversity; Redfield ratio; Stoichiometry; Phosphorus; Restoration; Estuaries; Climate change