Abstract
Phytoplankton diversity was studied in two North German lakes of comparable nutrient chemistry but different exposure to winds. In both lakes, phytoplankton was primarily N-limited but diatoms were Si-limited. Plußsee had a very constant mixing depth during summer, while week-to-week changes of several meters were quite common in the more exposed Behler See. In Plußsee, phytoplankton biomass during summer came closer to the carrying capacity as defined by the available total N. In Plußsee there was a marked decline of diversity during the summer maximum of biomass, while this decline was less pronounced in Behler See. It is concluded that disturbances which prevented phytoplankton from reaching the carrying capacity also maintained a high level of diversity. A negative response of diversity to undisturbed conditions became apparent, after phytoplankton biomass had exceeded about 5% of the carrying capacity.
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Sommer, U. Disturbance-diversity relationships in two lakes of similar nutrient chemistry but contrasting disturbance regimes. Hydrobiologia 249, 59–65 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00008843
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00008843