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The effect of airborne sulphur and nitrogen deposition on aquatic and terrestrial heathland vegetation

  • The Ecological Effects of Acid Deposition
  • Part I
  • Published:
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Summary

As research on the effects of acidification on healthlands is scarce, the data discussed mainly concern western Europe and particularly the Netherlands. The change from heather into grass dominated healthlands appeared to be caused by the high atmospheric nitrogen enrichment. Acidification of oligotrophic, poorly buffered pools in heathland areas finally results in the disappearance of all submerged plant species, caused by the too low CO2 levels in the water layer. The vitality of the pine-forests decreases; apart from the premature shedding of needles as a result of nutrient deficiences, they become more susceptible to secondary stress factors such as NH3, O3, drought and fungal diseases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Catholic University, Toernooiveld, NL-6525 ED, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    J. G. M. Roelofs

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Roelofs, J.G.M. The effect of airborne sulphur and nitrogen deposition on aquatic and terrestrial heathland vegetation. Experientia 42, 372–377 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02118618

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