carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus ratio

The relatively constant relationship between the concentrations of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in plankton, and N and P in sea water, owing to removal of the elements by the organisms in the same proportions in which the elements occur and their return upon decomposition of thedead organisms.

Related terms:

• phosphorus-nitrogen ratio
• carbon isotope ratio
• carbon ratio
• carbon-ratio theory
• nitrogen balance
• carbon cycle
• carbon sequestration
• carbon sink
• carbon pool
• stream-channel form ratio