Nitrogen in lakes

[Mobydick]

Does the nitrogen in the lakes have any effect on the way laremouth's live? I know that the higher the nitrogen, there is usually more plant growth, but is there any other effects? Thanks!

[Rob G.]

High Nitrogen bad.  Some Nitrogen good for weed growth.  Might think about eating fishies from a lake too close to a hog confinement or chicken/turkey farm.

[RobbyZ5001]

I thought nitrification caused high acidity. This is my major I should really know this..

[Mobydick]

Northern eutrophic lakes, ones mostly vegitation, have a much higher nitrogen level than a regular lake. Thats why I wondered if it made a difference to the fish.

[markc]

Nitrogen makes up 78% of the earth's atmosphere, and is present in many other forms such as nitrates which is the form plants and algae use for growth. It also effects the growth and presence of mirco-organisms

So yes it affects the ammount of life, vegatation and water color in a lake. So to answer your question; Yes it effects LM behavior.

[skeeterman24]

nitrogen comes from dying plants, fish, fish waste etc.  As it breaks down it creates ammonia in the water which is broken down by a bacteria and turned into nitrites which is broken down by another bacteria and turned into nitrates.  Aquatic plants and algea feed on the nitrates.

This is why you need to do water changes in fish tanks, there are no plants to break down the nitrates so you have to manually remove them.

To answer your question though you don't need to worry about nitrogen in the water, the ecosystem always balances things out.  More nitrogen means more plants and algea in the water.

[Mobydick]

Thanks skeeterman24!