nutrient conditions in terms of microbial resource allocation dynamics. MARCIE model

components, such as Ecell/Ep and Ecell/En, which reflect apparent phosphorus and

nitrogen control on C mineralization, have also been correlated with bacterial

productivity (Sinsabaugh and Findlay, 1995; Sinsabaugh et al., 1997). An underlying

concept is that lignocellulose degradation by extracellular enzymes is tied to

environmental N and P concentrations. Since only a certain amount of metabolic energy

can be utilized in the production of enzymes, an abundant expression of one enzyme

resulting from a lack of directly utilizable substrate will result in less energy available for

the production of other enzymes.

 In organic matter dominated wetlands, such as the Everglades, the microbial

mineralization of organic matter is a key process involved in the initial development,

accumulation, and maintenance of the peat profile. Differential decomposition processes

over time may result in the development of topographic features related to local

biogeochemical characteristics which are, in turn, influenced by larger scale ecosystem

processes. Specifically, the Everglades were historically dominated by a slough-ridge

landscape interspersed with tree islands. This landscape consisted of dense sawgrass

ridges with soil surfaces 2 to 3 feet higher than the adjacent, deeper sloughs (Baldwin and

Hawker, 1915). However, after over 50 years of compartmentalization and altered

surface flow, the area covered by the deeper sloughs is diminishing, being replaced by

shallower, monotypic sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense crantz) stands. Changes in overall

productivity have accompanied shifts in vegetative communities, which have the

potential to alter the nutrient storage capability of the system (Davis, 1991).