|
|
Article: Influence of the vertical structure of macrophyte stands on epiphyte community metabolism.
- Article from:
- Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
- Article date:
- May 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 NRC Research Press. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Abstract: The physical structure of submerged aquatic plant communities differentially influences the availability of light and substratum in the water column and, thus, the functional role of epiphytes growing on macrophytes. We examined the depth distribution of photosynthesis and respiration of epiphyte communities within macrophyte stands of contrasting growth forms over a 2-year period in Lake Saint-Pierre (St. Lawrence River). To do so, we used a modelling approach, combining laboratory measurements of photosynthesis and respiration with field data of macrophyte and epiphyte biomass and vertical light attenuation. In stands dominated by canopy-forming macrophytes, ...