Carbon supply C (μmol/L)
100
Nitrogen supply N (μmol/L)
10
Phosphorus supply P (μmol/L)
1.0
Consumer C:N:P demand
Limiting: —
Growth μ: — day⁻¹
Efficiency: —%
Stoich. mismatch: —
Growth μ: — day⁻¹
Efficiency: —%
Stoich. mismatch: —
Liebig's Law
Growth = μ_max · min(C/C*, N/N*, P/P*)
The minimum determines growth rate, regardless of other nutrients.
Redfield ratio C:N:P = 106:16:1 — the stoichiometry of marine phytoplankton matches the deep ocean. Coincidence or coevolution?
Stoichiometric mismatch = consumer demand / food supply ratio. High mismatch → P-limited growth → cascades up food webs.
Growth = μ_max · min(C/C*, N/N*, P/P*)
The minimum determines growth rate, regardless of other nutrients.
Redfield ratio C:N:P = 106:16:1 — the stoichiometry of marine phytoplankton matches the deep ocean. Coincidence or coevolution?
Stoichiometric mismatch = consumer demand / food supply ratio. High mismatch → P-limited growth → cascades up food webs.