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The influence of hydrological regime and grazing management on the plant communities of a karst wetland (Skealoghan turlough) in Ireland
Author(s) -
Moran J.,
Sheehy Skeffington M.,
Gormally M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
applied vegetation science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.096
H-Index - 64
eISSN - 1654-109X
pISSN - 1402-2001
DOI - 10.1111/j.1654-109x.2008.tb00200.x
Subject(s) - species richness , plant community , wetland , vascular plant , grazing , vegetation (pathology) , environmental science , ecology , biodiversity , soil water , karst , geography , indicator value , hydrology (agriculture) , biology , geology , medicine , geotechnical engineering , archaeology , pathology
Question: What is the influence of hydrological regime, soils and management on the plant community composition and species richness of Skealoghan turlough (groundwater dependent calcareous wetland). Location: Skealoghan turlough, County Mayo, Ireland. Methods: Percentage cover of vascular plants and bryophytes were recorded, and data on hydrological regimes, soils and management were collected. Data were analysed using multivariate statistical techniques. Results: A total of 69 species of vascular plants and mosses were recorded. Cluster analysis grouped the samples into two separate communities, the Cirsio‐Molinietum and the Ranunculo‐Potentilletum anserinae plant communities. The plant community composition and species richness followed a main gradient down into the turlough basin, but also varied with microtopography, resulting in a mosaic of vegetation types. Conclusions: The biodiversity and conservation value of the site is linked to the heterogeneity in its physical environment in which hydrology, soils and grazing management all play critical roles.