Optimal conditions for primary production in a polymictic tropical lake (Lake Xolotlán, Nicaragua)

From 1987 to 1993 we assessed the variation of phytoplankton biomass, underwater irradiance and primary production in Lake Xolotlán (L. Managua, Nicaragua). Chlorophyll- a averaged 65 mg m-3 and maximum and minimum concentrations were 120 and 30 mg m-3, respectively. The variability over depths and weeks was low (CV < 20%). There were strong correlations between particulate carbon and chlorophyll- a (the ratio ≈ 100: 1) and between particulate carbon and particulate nitrogen and phosphorus (the ratio ≈ 100: 11: 1). Gross primary production averaged 6.8 g C m-2 d- 1 and was stable over the years (CV ≈ 10%). Algal cell growth was approximately 4–5 g C m-2 d- 1. Productivity was limited only by the availability of underwater light and the depth of the photic zone was mainly regulated by the chlorophyll- a concentration. Therefore, areal photic zone chlorophyll- a was the only factor directly correlated to the integral photosynthetic activity but, contrary to theoretical models, the production did not increase in proportion to chlorophyll- a. Data from African lakes show a similar pattern.