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Nitrogen Metabolism in Ecosystems—A New Approach
Author(s) -
Ripl Wilhelm,
Feibicke Michael
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
internationale revue der gesamten hydrobiologie und hydrographie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1522-2632
pISSN - 0020-9309
DOI - 10.1002/iroh.19920770103
Subject(s) - environmental science , watershed , nitrogen cycle , water cycle , abiotic component , ecosystem , energy flow , drainage basin , nitrogen , hydrology (agriculture) , ecology , computer science , energy (signal processing) , biology , chemistry , engineering , physics , geography , cartography , geotechnical engineering , quantum mechanics , machine learning , organic chemistry
Using the new Energy‐Transport‐Reaction Model, the nitrogen‐cycle is presented in relation to energy flow in a system. This model is applied exemplary to three degraded inland water bodies. The decrease in the density of energy flow in a spatially limited system provides the framework for this model. By this model the N‐cycle can be observed in relation to other abiotic and metabolic processes. The N‐cycle proves to be an important indicator, sensitive to disturbances in the hydrologic cycle. A poorly managed hydrologic cycle will increase resource losses from the watershed, and stimulate the formation of loss processes. The model allows an evaluation of a catchment's management according to its ion losses related to its nitrogen losses. Based on a longterm sustainable function of a catchment the integrity of the system is measured by its degree of closure of material cycles and lack of losses. Moreover, loss‐minimizing management practices can be derived from the model. Planning and management can be directed towards this goal of minimizing losses and evaluated accordingly.