ISSN:
1365-2486
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
,
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
,
Geography
Notes:
In 1993 a project was set up at Upper Teesdale to investigate some of the effects of predicted increased temperatures and increased nutrient availability resulting from increased litter decomposition rates, and atmospheric deposition of nitrogen, on the interaction between bracken and heather, two species which cover large areas globally. 32 2 × 2 m plots were laid out on a hillside on, and just below, the interface between the two species. Half of the plots were placed on pure bracken, and the other half on the boundary. Within each vegetation type half of the plots were covered with open-topped polythene tents to simulate climate warming, while the other plots remained open. The second treatment consisted of additional fertilizer at 50 kg N ha−1 y−1 simulating increased decomposition rates at higher temperatures and increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition. The two treatments and their controls were combined in a 2 × 2 factorial design, with two replicates in each of two blocks.Results obtained in the first two summers indicated that fronds emerged earlier in spring and senesced later in autumn inside the tents, effectively lengthening the growing season. Fronds were taller when growing in warmer conditions, and carried more pinnae. In addition, the frond density was higher inside the tents, and together these effects contributed to greatly enhanced vigour of bracken in some of the conditions predicted by General Circulation Models. It seems likely that bracken will be more competitive, and have the potential to further encroach into heather dominated areas under these conditions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.1996.tb00049.x
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