Acid deposition :: Heather or Ling

Submitted by Eleanor Campbell on Tue, 09/08/2011 - 14:51
Latin name: 
Calluna vulgaris

Impact Type: Deposition of pollutant

Key Concerns:

Calluna vulgaris is a species which is often dominant on acidic heathland soils and so would be expected to be tolerant of acid deposition. No work has been published as to the effects of acid deposition perse on Calluna. The most likely effect will be a reduction in Phosphorous availability on the acid, low nutrient soils inhabited by Calluna which could help ameliorate negative effects of eutrophication.

Additional Comments:

Most studies on the effects of air pollution on Calluna have concentrated on nitrogen deposition and the effects of eutrophication. Uren et al (1997) reports that (NH4)2 SO4 additions reduced frost hardiness. 

Critical Load/level: 
Critical Load/ Level

No estimate available
References: 
Caporn, S.J.M.; Ashenden, T.W.; Lee, J.A. 2000 The effect of exposure to NO2 and SO2 on frost hardiness in Calluna vulgaris Environmental and Experimental Botany 43 111-119
Uren, S.C.; Ainsworth, N.; Power, S.; Cousins, D.A.; Huxendurp, L.M.; Ashmore, M.R. 1997 Long term effects of ammonium sulphate on Calluna vulgaris Journal of Applied Ecology 34 208-216
Species group: 
Vascular Plants
Pollutant: 
Acid Deposition