Publication
Title
Biodiversity, vegetation gradients and key biogeochemical processes in the heathland landscape
Author
Abstract
The northwest European heathland landscape with its characteristic communities of nutrient-poor and acidic soils has a high nature value, because of its locally high biodiversity and the distinct site conditions. In order to conserve and restore the heathlands, numerous rehabilitation projects have been performed, although with varying success. This is partly due to the fact that the key biogeochemical processes distinguishing the various vegetation types within the heathlands are not known in detail. Therefore, we performed a statistical survey on the main communities and their soil characteristics. In addition, we analyzed the data for key factors determining biodiversity in the heathland landscape. Data from previous studies and surveys was used to compile a dataset of 267 vegetation relevés (classified as EUNIS habitat types) with extensive soil measurements (22 parameters). A canonical discriminant analysis revealed that soil acidity explained most of the differences between the habitat types, while soil moisture content and soil fertility were less important. Acidity-related factors as Al3+, Al/Ca-ratio and pH were also strongly correlated to plant diversity in the majority of the habitat types, respectively, the species-rich Nardus grasslands, the Rhynchosporion communities and the species-rich Molinia meadows. In the dry heaths and over the total heathland landscape, plant diversity was negatively correlated with soil -concentrations. Only in wet heath, nutrient availability, in this case P, was the primary factor in explaining plant diversity. This study presents ranges for all major soil parameters for the studied well-developed heathland habitat types, thereby providing clear guidelines for conservation and restoration.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Biological conservation. - Liverpool
Publication
Liverpool : 2009
ISSN
0006-3207
DOI
10.1016/J.BIOCON.2009.04.020
Volume/pages
142 (2009) , p. 2191-2201
ISI
000269730500025
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 15.06.2009
Last edited 23.08.2022
To cite this reference