Seasonal and spatial variation in the mineral content of some upland vegetation types in Scotland.

Published online
01 Jan 1975
Content type
Journal article
Journal title
Journal of Applied Ecology
DOI
10.2307/2401771

Author(s)
Powell, C. F. & Malcolm, D. C.

Publication language
English
Location
UK

Abstract

Data are given on N, P, K, Ca and Mg content for pioneer, mature and degenerating Calluna vulgaris, young and old Vaccinium myrtillus, Nardus stricta, Deschampsia flexuosa/Festuca/Agrostis grassland and herb-rich Agrostis/Festuca grassland. Different vegetation types had maximum mineral concentrations at different times of year and their relative value in a mixed grazing varied with time, depending on digestibility, competition and palatability to sheep, red grouse and mountain hares. Variation between years appeared to be relatively slight.

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