Nitrogen deposition threatens species richness of grasslands across Europe.
Evidence from an international survey in the Atlantic biogeographic region of Europe indicates that chronic nitrogen deposition is reducing plant species richness in acid grasslands. Across the deposition gradient in this region (2-44 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1)) species richness showed a curvilinear response, with greatest reductions in species richness when deposition increased from low levels. This has important implications for conservation policies, suggesting that to protect the most sensitive grasslands resources should be focussed where deposition is currently low. Soil pH is also an important driver of species richness indicating that the acidifying effect of nitrogen deposition may be contributing to species richness reductions. The results of this survey suggest that the impacts of nitrogen deposition can be observed over a large geographical range.
Stevens
Carly J
CJ
Department of Life Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK. c.j.stevens@open.ac.uk
Duprè
Cecilia
C
Dorland
Edu
E
Gaudnik
Cassandre
C
Gowing
David J G
DJ
Bleeker
Albert
A
Diekmann
Martin
M
Alard
Didier
D
Bobbink
Roland
R
Fowler
David
D
Corcket
Emmanuel
E
Mountford
J Owen
JO
Vandvik
Vigdis
V
Aarrestad
Per Arild
PA
Muller
Serge
S
Dise
Nancy B
NB
D044822:Biodiversity; D017753:Ecosystem; D004777:Environment; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005060:Europe; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D006109:Poaceae / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*
D012989:Soil Pollutants; D009584:Nitrogen