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Raised nutrient levels change heathland into grassland

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Abstract

In 1969 N and P fertilizer experiments were carried out on the Westerheide (The Netherlands) to investigate the growth of Calluna vulgaris. In 1981 the floristic composition of the experimental plots was analyzed. Repeated nitrogen treatment of 28 kg · ha-1 · yr-1 resulted in dramatic replacement of Calluna vulgaris by Festuca ovina as a dominant. Phosphorus treatments did not result in such a change. The amounts of nitrogen applied in this experiment are similar to those that will be available during the first years following the dying off of Calluna vulgaris as result of a heather beetle infestation. It is hypothesized that a heather beetle infestation alone may result in a similar replacement of Calluna vulgaris by grass species.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Plant Ecology and Vegetation Science, University of Utrecht, Lange Nieuwstraat 106, 3512 PN, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    G. W. Heil

  2. Research Institute for Nature Management, Kemperbergerweg 67, 6816 RM

    W. H. Diemont

Authors
  1. G. W. Heil
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  2. W. H. Diemont
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Additional information

Nomenclature follows Tutin et al. (1964–1980): Flora Europaea 5 Vols. Cambridge U.P.

Acknowledgements: We are grateful to Prof. Marinus J. A. Werger, for stimulating discussions and comments on the manuscript.

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Heil, G.W., Diemont, W.H. Raised nutrient levels change heathland into grassland. Vegetatio 53, 113–120 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00043031

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00043031

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