ISSN:
1573-5052
Keywords:
Coastal sand dune
;
Galium verum
;
Grazing
;
Onions repens
;
Stability
;
Trampling
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Coastal dunes in western Europe have long been under grazing and recreational pressure, but the vegetative cover appears to be remarkably resilient. In a series of experiments on Ynyslas Dunes, Cardigan Bay (Wales, U.K.), trampling, protection, fertiliser, and herbicide treatments were monitored using non-destructive and destructive sampling methods. This paper discusses the behaviour of 12 important species after these treatments on three major dune habitats: Agrostis tenuis, Ammophila arenaria, Bellis perennis, Festuca rubra, Galium verum, Leontodon taraxacoides, Ononis repens, Plantago lanceolata, Poa subcaerulea, Thymus praecox, Homalothecium lutescens, Tortula ruraliformis. Although stability is usually thought of as a feature of the community, a reductionist approach suggests that grasses react quickly but temporarily, dicotyledonous forbs often show slower reaction times, each species reacting in its own way to changes in the environment. A tentative classification of our study species is possible.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00039815
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