Cycling of nitrogen during the vernal growth period in the northern Baltic proper in 1982

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Abstract
Changes in dissolved inorganic nitrogen, particulate nitrogen and dissolved organic nitrogen were followed and their biological transformation estimated during the vernal bloom period (April–May) in the open northern Baltic proper in 1982. Assimilation by autotrophic organisms and sinking of new particulate matter were the predominating processes in the internal nitrogen cycle. The primary formation of particulate nitrogen was predominantly based on the initial amount of dissolved inorganic nitrogen in the mixed surface layer, and on its vertical transport from the intermediate layer. Recycling by heterotrophic organisms contributed only ca. 30 % to the primary assimilation of nitrogen.