SBC LTER: REEF: Exudation of dissolved organic carbon by the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera

We estimated rates of DOC exudation by Macrocystis pyrifera using short-term (2-4 hours) in situ incubations of entire blades and portions of stipes in the kelp forest at Mohawk Reef near Santa Barbara, California, USA (34o 23.660’ N, 119o 43.800’ W). Incubations of blades were conducted within 2 m of the sea surface at midday on eight dates between October 2007 and August 2011 to investigate the effects of blade growth stage, nutrient status (as indicated by C:N ratio determined using an Exeter Analytical CE-440 CHN/O/S elemental analyzer), epiphyte load, sea surface irradiance, and sea surface temperature on rates of DOC release from intact blades.