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Detecting changes in epiphytic lichen communities at sites affected by atmospheric ammonia from agricultural sources

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 March 2006

Patricia A. WOLSELEY
Affiliation:
Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD, UK
Peter W. JAMES
Affiliation:
Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD, UK
Mark R. THEOBALD
Affiliation:
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, UK
Mark A. SUTTON
Affiliation:
Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Edinburgh Research Station, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, UK

Abstract

Lichens were recorded on Quercus petraea trunks and twigs near ammonia recording stations in ‘continental’ Norfolk, and ‘oceanic’ Devon in order to test indicator values developed for epiphytic lichens in areas of high atmospheric ammonia in the Netherlands. Lichens on trunks in Norfolk showed a similar correlation of nitrophyte indices with ammonia concentration and bark pH as those in Holland, whereas in Devon there was no correlation with nitrophyte indices on trunks and a negative correlation with acidophyte indices. Results on twigs in both sites suggest that lichens on twigs respond more rapidly to recent changes in ammonia concentrations while trunks may maintain relict lichen communities due to either a legacy of previous acidification or ecological continuity. The results suggest that loss of acidophytes is taking place prior to the establishment of nitrophytes indicating the importance of establishing levels of ammonia at which sensitive communities are at risk.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© British Lichen Society 2006

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