2) Determine the effects of vegetative habitats on microbial enzyme activities

 in Water Conservation Area 3A of the Everglades.

 The apparent lignin influence on organic C mineralization (Ecell/Eox) appeared to

be the driving force behind changes in microbial enzyme activities in the benthic layer

among different vegetative habitats. The significantly higher Ecell/Eox values in the

open water habitats, coupled with higher Enzyme Index of Carbon Quality (EICQ)

measures indicate that this habitat is more suited to potential decomposition. Lower C:N

ratios of the benthic matter associated with the open water habitats also predict greater

potential decomposition. When coupled to the lower C input in the open water habitats,

it is suggested that the increases in potential decomposition would result in a lower

elevation over time that supports the current Everglades topography.



 3) Determine the relationships between nutrient conditions and microbial

 enzyme activities among four hydrologic units of the Everglades.

 Phosphorus was less limiting to C mineralization, expressed as Ecell/Ep values, at

the enriched sites with the smallest apparent limitation within Water Conservation Area

3A. Conversely, the largest apparent P limitation occurred within Everglades National

Park (ENP-TS). Shifts in apparent N limitation on C mineralization, expressed as

Ecell/En, occurred between the enriched and reference sites in Loxahatchee National

Wildlife Refuge (LNWR), Water Conservation Area 2A, Water Conservation Area 3A,

and Taylor Slough within Everglades National Park. A trend of increasing Ecell/En

values at the enriched sites in a southerly direction suggests that a decreasing N limitation