Regulation of Submerged Aquatic Plant Distribution in a Uniform Area of a Weedbed

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Abstract
(1) Two uniform areas in a weedbed were sampled for plant biomass, species composition, sediment nutrients (N,P, and K), and organic matter, to test the hypothesis that variation in submerged plant biomass and species distribution is related to variation in sediment characteristics. (2) Total biomass and the biomass of the most abundant species were related to sediment nutrient concentration in both areas. (3) No relationships were found between species distribution and sediment characteristics. (4) We conclude that nutrient shortage prevents competition in these areas and allows the coexistence of many species.