Influence of Nutrient Enrichment and Light Availability on the Abundance of Aquatic Macrophytes in Florida Streams

Abstract

A survey of 17 Florida streams was conducted between October 1984 and August 1986 to determine if the abundance of aquatic macrophytes was related to nutrient enrichment. Macrophyte standing crops were not correlated with in-stream total phosphorus or total nitrogen concentrations. Aquatic macrophytes contained less than 2% of the annual nutrient discharge in nearly all streams. Nutrients are, therefore, not considered to be the primary factor regulating the abundance of aquatic macrophytes in most Florida streams. Shading by riparian vegetation seems to be the dominant factor controlling the location and abundance of aquatic macrophytes. Statistical analyses indicated that the potential average and maximum standing crop of aquatic macrophytes in the sampled streams could be estimated by the equations[Formula: see text]where SCavg and SCmax are the average and maximum standing crop of aquatic macrophytes (kilograms fresh weight per square metre), respectively, and %C is the percent canopy coverage by riparian vegetation.