Reducing Nitrogen Inputs Can Rapidly Reverse Eutrophication in Shallow Phosphorus-Rich Lakes.

ABSTRACT: Although phosphorus (P) has been the primary focus of lake eutrophication management efforts globally, we show that reducing nitrogen (N) inputs to shallow P-rich lakes can rapidly reverse accelerated eutrophication. We conducted a long-term field mesocosm manipulation experiment testing the effects of variable N and P stoichiometry on the eutrophication of lakes, particularly the comparative productivity of lakes with low N:P inputs versus high N:P inputs and the subsequent effects of reducing N inputs while maintaining P inputs. Nitrogen enrichment in excess of balanced N:P ratios (20-50 molar) resulted in phytoplankton biomass well above thresholds indicative of healthy lake ecosystems. After 4 years of both N and P enrichment, we eliminated N fertilization while maintaining P fertiliza

SUBMITTER: Scott JT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12573793 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature