Litter Production by Calluna Vulgaris (L.) Hull

Abstract

Litter was collected monthly over at least 1 year from 120 plants in the field and 60 transplanted to pots. The method used was to encircle the plant by a galvanized iron hoop within which a piece of stockingette was stretched across the ground and tie round the stems in the center of the ring. Litter is lightly held by the roughness of the fabric. The total air-dry weight of litter was measured as well as the numbers of piece in each of the following categories stems, long shoots, short shoots, capsules. Data were processedbyanEllioot803computer. No litter falls until the first flowering season is over. Thereafter it falls throughout the year, but with peaks in Oct. and Feb. corresponding respectively to increased short shoot and capsule shedding. When size of plant is taken into account, the amount produced increases through the successive growth phases, viz. pioneer, building, mature and degenerate. Degenerate plants shed more in an exposed maritime heath than in an upland heath. Approximates of the air-dry weight of litter deposted annually perunit area are as follows (kilograms per hectare): pioneer 59.6; building 73.9-185.6; mature 161.6-433.3; degenerate 393.1- 712.4. The rate of accumulation of litter and its decomposition are discussed, together with a method of estimating the period of time represented by under a Calluna stand.