Factors Affecting the Growth of Molinia Caerulea on a Calcareous Soil

Abstract

Experiments were carried out to determine the factors which bring about the natural exclusion of M. caerulea from well-drained calcareous soils. It has been shown that a high concentration of calcium as such is not inimical to the growth of Molinia under both free-draining and waterlogged soil conditions. It was found that by increasing very greatly the phosphate level of a well-drained calcareous soil, Molinia could be caused to grow successfully in such a soil. It was concluded that neither high pH nor high calcium levels in themselves restrict the growth of Molinia, but that inability to obtain phosphorus is a factor that prevents M. caerulea from growing on dry calcareous soils.