Acid deposition :: Ferns (general)

Latin name: 
Pteridophytes

Impact Type: Deposition of pollutant

Key Concerns:

Ferns may be susceptible to damage by acid deposition which can inhibit reproduction (spore germination)(Ashenden et al. 1990 , Bosley et al. 1998, Conway 1949, and Lawrence & Ashenden 1993. Below pH 3.5 negative effects on spore germination in Polypodium interjection, Dryopteris affinis and Phyllitis scolopendrium have been observed.

Additional Comments:

It is possible that Dryopteris affinis is less susceptible to acid deposition compared to other fern species (Lawrence & Ashenden 1993). Acid deposition may confer a positive advantage to bracken in competition with other species since it favours vegetative propagation via underground rhizomes.

Critical Load/level: 
Critical Load/ Level

No estimate available

Species group: 
Pollutant: