Salt marsh nitrogen analysis : fertilization and the allocation of biological productivity
Citable URI
https://hdl.handle.net/1912/10392DOI
10.1575/1912/10392Abstract
A five compartment schematic model of the flow of nitrogen
through Great Sippewissett Marsh is presented. Flows are described
in terms of annual inputs, outputs and intercompartmental transfers
of nitrogen. The nitrogen in all forms occurring in the
marsh is considered, though dissolved organic nitrogen is disaggregated
from the total flow.
A computer aided input - output analysis is performed on
the model to assess the degree to which nitrogen inputs to the
marsh surface are linked to nitrogen outputs in the form of net
growth in marsh shellfish. In this way the effects of both
direct and indirect flows linking the two compartments involved
are considered. The analysis is done to assess the likelihood
that a large scale application of fertilizer to the marsh surface
will signjficantly enhance shellfish growth in marsh tidal
creeks. While no definitive answer to this question can be
given, it is argued that the present level of understanding of
the marsh nitrogen cycle does not support an expectation that
shellfish growth will be enhanced. This argument is supported
by a comparative analysis which shows a strong likelihood that
Spartina growth is enhanced by fertilization, an effect which
has already been observed.
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Suggested Citation
Leschine, T. M. (1979). Salt marsh nitrogen analysis: fertilization and the allocation of biological productivity. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. https://doi.org/10.1575/1912/10392Related items
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