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The C : N : P stoichiometry of autotrophs – theory and observations
Author(s) -
Ågren Göran I.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
ecology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.852
H-Index - 265
eISSN - 1461-0248
pISSN - 1461-023X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2004.00567.x
Subject(s) - autotroph , growth rate , biology , nutrient , ecology , relative growth rate , ecological stoichiometry , mixotroph , heterotroph , botany , mathematics , bacteria , genetics , geometry
Evolution has set biochemical constraints on the chemical composition of living organisms. These constraints seem to lead to increases in N : C and P : C ratios with increasing relative growth rate for all types of organisms. The N : P ratio also seems to decrease with relative growth rate for heterotrophs whereas autotrophs may show a more complex behaviour. Here I will show that, from biochemical considerations, N : C should increase linearly and P : C quadratically with relative growth rate in autotrophs with the consequence that N : P increases at low relative growth rates, passes a maximum and then decreases at high relative growth rates. These predictions are verified against observations for a freshwater alga ( Selenastrum minutum ) and a tree seedling ( Betula pendula ). Changes in temperature, light or other factors that affect the growth rate of autotrophs interact with nutrient supply in such a way that there are no simple rules for as to how N : P will change.