Primary productivity in meromictic Big Soda Lake, Nevada

Authors

R. P. Axler, University of California, Davis, California
R. M. Gersberg, University of California, Davis, California
L. J. Paulson, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada

Abstract

In situ radiocarbon uptake measurements conducted at Big Soda Lake, Nevada, indicate that (i) bacterial photosynthesis comprises an important fraction (30 percent) of the lake's total primary production and (ii) bacterial chemosynthesis contributes significantly to organic particle production. The results of nutrient enrichment bioassay experiments support Hutchinson's prediction that availability of inorganic nitrogen, rather than phosphorus, limits primary production in the mixolimnion. Nutrient additions of NO₃–N with Fe⁺³ most stimulated ¹⁴C uptake.

Recommended Citation

Axler, R. P.; Gersberg, R. M.; and Paulson, L. J. (1978) "Primary productivity in meromictic Big Soda Lake, Nevada," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 38: No. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol38/iss2/4