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Pahlow M, Dietze H, Oschlies A
Optimality-based model of phytoplankton growth and diazotrophy
The supply of fixed inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphorus (DIP) to the ocean surface drives the interaction between ordinary and diazotrophic phytoplankton, described here by an optimality-based chain model. Competition between both groups controls ambient DIN and DIP concentrations. Conditions favourable for diazotrophy emerge from trade-offs among cellular energy and resource requirements for N, P and C acquisition. The model constructed by Pahlow and co-workers predicts that diazotrophs are strong competitors for DIP, as they can devote more resources to P acquisition than ordinary phytoplankton organisms, which must invest more of their resources in DIN uptake and assimilation. Therefore, the authors argue that diazotrophy is most advantageous under conditions of oligotrophy, particularly in P.
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