Evaluation of nitrogen indicators on ombrotrophic acid bogs: observations from a nitrogen manipulation study.

Mizunuma, T.; Leith, I.D.; Gray, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6785-0590; Sutton, M.A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6263-6341; Sheppard, L.J.. 2011 Evaluation of nitrogen indicators on ombrotrophic acid bogs: observations from a nitrogen manipulation study. In: Hicks, W.K.; Whitfield, C.P.; Bealey, W.J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3708-5864; Sutton, M.A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6263-6341, (eds.) Nitrogen deposition and Natura 2000: Science and practice in determining environmental impacts. COST Office - European Cooperation in Science and Technology, 190-200.

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Abstract/Summary

• Among Natura 2000 ecosystems, ombrotrophic bogs/peatlands are likely to be one of the most sensitive to reactive N deposition. • This paper briefly examines methods of evaluating species, growing on an ombrotrophic bog, to different N forms using a case study from Whim bog to illustrate peatland vegetation response to wet and dry N deposition. • Vegetation cover data are used to examine typical N indicators in terms of species richness, diversity, functional group response, Ellenberg indicator values, species cover and National Vegetation Classification (NVC). • In addition an ordination technique is applied to the data and principal response curves (PRC) generated to examine temporal community response to the N deposition. • The N indicators tested here of species richness, diversity, Ellenberg indicator values and NVC were insensitive to the apparent effects of the N deposition treatments. This is despite significant responses at both the species and community levels detected using a weighted cover index and PRC. • In addition responses varied with N form and particular functional groups e.g. species from the ericoids or Sphagnum show differential responses: Calluna responds negatively to ammonia whereas Vaccinium myrtillus and Empetrum nigrum have responded positively, the hummock forming S.capillifolium is negatively affected by N while the wetter loving S. fallax increased in response to N additions. • The results emphasise that indicators represent a range of sensitivities and a considered approach to the choice of indicator needs to be applied with reference to the ecosystem under question and form of nitrogen applied. • Future research efforts should concentrate on developing predictive indicators with sufficient sensitivity to show species level change that can be used to detect and predict loss of important peatland species or groups.

Item Type:	Publication - Book Section
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biogeochemistry
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Billett (to November 2013) Watt
ISBN:	9789186125233
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	This chapter is number 5.11 in the book. Access to full text is available by clicking on the OFFICIAL URL link
Date made live:	24 Jan 2012 12:42 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/16301

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