Nutrient Budgets for a Dry Heath Ecosystem in the South of England

Abstract

Some areas of Calluna heathland in the Poole basin of Dorset are described. Estimates of the increased standing crop and accumulation of litter with age are given. The above ground standing crop increases to about 24000 kg/ha and the accumulation of litter to about 17000 kg/ha after 35 years. Results showing the accumulations of the major plant nutrients in the standing crop and litter are also presented. These results are discussed in relation to the building, mature and degenerate phases of development of the vegetation. Relatively little N or P is lost from the litter. A nutrient budget sheet was drawn up for the cycle of heathland growth between consecutive heathland fires. Precipitation is capable of replacing all but the N and P of the nutrients lost by burning. The results obtained from the Dorset heathland sites was compared with the results of other workers in Scotland and northern England.