Nutrient Supplies, Cycles, and the Oceanic Dynamic Balance

This chapter takes an overview of nutrient availability and cycling pathways. It begins with the findings of Redfield and his recognition of the consistency of dissolved nutrient ratios and those in phytoplankton biomass. Then, availability of the major nutrients in the oceans and freshwaters is reviewed, followed by the major process in the nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon cycles in the oceans.