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Differential effects of nitrate and ammonium on three fen bryophyte species in relation to pollutant nitrogen input
Author(s) -
Paulissen Maurice P. C. P.,
Van Der Ven Paul J. M.,
Dees Albert J.,
Bobbink Roland
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2004.01196.x
Subject(s) - sphagnum , moss , bryophyte , ammonium , botany , nitrate , nitrogen , chemistry , biology , agronomy , environmental chemistry , ecology , peat , organic chemistry
Summary• In Dutch fens, subjected to high nitrogen (N) deposition, Scorpidium and other brown mosses have declined markedly. A concurrent strong increase of Sphagnum and Polytrichum has promoted acidification. We measured nitrate (NO 3 − ) and ammonium (NH 4 + ) availability in Dutch fens. We also tested preference for either N form of Scorpidium scorpioides , Sphagnum squarrosum and Polytrichum commune . • Ion exchange membranes were installed in the field. In a hydroponic experiment, plants were grown on 100 µ m N (reflecting concentrations in Dutch precipitation since 1980), provided as NO 3 − , NH 4 NO 3 , or NH 4 + . • NH 4 + availability in Sphagnum and Polytrichum stands and NH 4 + : NO 3 − ratio in Sphagnum stands were higher than in brown moss stands. In the experiment, Scorpidium performed best on NO 3 − . NH 4 NO 3 tended to decrease its growth, whereas NH 4 + was very toxic. N treatment did not significantly affect growth of Sphagnum and Polytrichum . Tissue pH and nutrient concentrations confirmed the growth patterns and indicated that Scorpidium was most sensitive to NH 4 + stress. • We conclude that high NH 4 + inputs pose a serious threat to the brown moss flora of rich fens.