Abstract
In a laboratory experiment, Ruppia drepanensis Tineo seedlings from a brackish marsh in Southern Spain were grown at 20 and 30 °C, at three different nitrogen levels. These levels were obtained by the addition of a slow release fertilizer (23% NH4NO3 by weight) to a sediment mixture of sand and clay (3:1). Several morphometric parameters were recorded during the first five weeks of the experiment, and photosynthesis and respiration were measured after 7 weeks of growth. Results showed a significant reduction of growth and development with increasing nitrogen and temperature levels. Dark respiration increased strongly at high nitrogen levels. At the same time, net photosynthesis at 250 and 500 µE m-2 s-1, Pm, Km and LCP were not affected by either factor. We attribute these phenomena to ammonia toxicity, since relatively high total ammonia (NH3 + NHf4 p+) levels were found in the interstitial water.
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Santamaría, L., Dias, C. & Hootsmans, M.J.M. The influence of ammonia on the growth and photosynthesis of Ruppia drepanensis Tineo from Doñana National Park (SW Spain). Hydrobiologia 275, 219–231 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00026713
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00026713