The Occurrence of Schoenus Nigricans L. in Blanket Bogs: I. Environmental Conditions Affecting the Growth of S. Nigricans in Blanket Bog

Abstract

The climate of the blanket bog region of western Ireland and central England and its possible effects on the growth of Schoenus nigricans are discussed. The rainfall of western Ireland is more uniformly distributed, but maybe less than in central England. Saturation deficit is consistently low in western Ireland, and the precipitation/evaporation ratio generally higher than in comparable situations in England or Scotland. The water level in the west Irish blanket bog is consistently high. The bog is therefore continuously waterlogged throughout summer. The amount of electrolytes in the rain in western Ireland is far higher than in more inland sites, and may reach 0.25 g/l during the winter. The west Irish blanket bogs have higher electrolyte contents than inland bogs. There is a decrease in electrolytes derived mainly from sea spray, such as sodium, chloride and magnesium, and an increase in electrolytes derived from inland or dust sources, with distance from the coast.