Interference by Deschampsia flexuosa (L.) Trin

Abstract

Deschampsia flexuosa is a dominant in the herb layer in mixed woods of oak (Quercus petraea) and birch (Betula verrucosa) in parts of England. Its occurrence and the degree of its grazing affects the accumulation of forest leaf litter and hence affects the nature of the soil humus and the growth and survival of seedling trees. By experiments the D. flexuosa humus and teachings from its roots were shown to retard root growth of germinating acorns and to retard growth of birch seedlings through the presence of a toxic substance. In addition, the roots of Deschampsia were very effective competitors for available nutrients.