Impact Type: Deposition of pollutant
Key Concerns:
Yellow marsh saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus) species of base-rich flushes and mires are expected to be sensitive to N deposition due to out-competition with taller grasses (Biodiversity Steering Group 1995). However there is no known experimental data currently available. Consequently, assessment must be made by comparison with similar habitats. There is also uncertainty regarding interactions with grazing levels, as sheep grazing probably prevents seed production (i.e. the flowers are eaten before seeds can be formed).
Additional Comments:
There is no published research on the impact of pollution on this species. However, it is known to be declining in Europe where it is widely distributed. It is restrcited to a few sites in the Scottish Uplands and England.
| Critical Load/ Level |
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No comparable habitat with established critical load estimate available |