Impact Type: Deposition of pollutant
Key Concerns:
False brome grass (Brachypodium pinnatum) is an invasive species which is favoured by nitrogen deposition (Wilson et al. 1995a, Hornung et al. 1994). This is a particular problem for calcareous species rich grasslands and heathland communities (Bobbink et al. 1998, Britton et al 2000, UN ECE CLRTAP 1996). B. pinnatum stores N below ground in a well developed rhizome system allowing it to establish itself as an aggressive competitor from early spring. B. pinnatum appears to have a relatively low P-K demand which will also give it a competitive advantage.
Additional Comments:
Most of the research on this species is from southern England and Holland (e.g. Bobbink et al. 1998, Britton et al. 2000).
| Habitat/ Ecosystem Type | Eunis Code | Critical Load/ Level | Status | Reliability | Indication of exceedance | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine and subalpine grasslands | E4.3; E4.4 |
5-10 Kg N ha-1 year-1 |
UNECE 2010 - Noordwijkerhout workshop | expert judgement |
Changes in species composition; increase in plant production. |
472 |
| Semi-dry Perennial calcareous grassland (basic meadow steppe) | R1A |
10-20 kg N ha-1 year-1 |
UNECE 2022 - Review and revision of empirical loads of nitrogen for Europe | reliable |
Increase in tall grasses, decline in diversity, increased mineralization, N leaching; surface acidification. |
472 |