Global analysis of ocean phytoplankton nutrient limitation reveals high prevalence of co-limitation
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel · National Oceanography Centre · +1 more institution
Abstract
Nutrient availability limits phytoplankton growth throughout much of the global ocean. Here we synthesize available experimental data to identify three dominant nutrient limitation regimes: nitrogen is limiting in the stratified subtropical gyres and in the summertime Arctic Ocean, iron is most commonly limiting in upwelling regions, and both nutrients are frequently co-limiting in regions in between the nitrogen and iron limited systems. Manganese can be co-limiting with iron in parts of the Southern Ocean, whilst phosphate and cobalt can be co-/serially limiting in some settings. Overall, an analysis of experimental responses showed that phytoplankton net growth can be significantly enhanced through…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 44.44
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 78
Authors
2Topics & keywords
- Nutrient
- Phytoplankton
- Ocean gyre
- Environmental science
- Limiting
- Upwelling
- Oceanography
- Seawater
- Life below water