Increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition and changes in the management of heathlands have caused a significant change in the species composition of the NW-European heathlands. This change from ericaceous towards gramineous dominance is analysed in detail in Heathlands: Patterns and Processes in a Changing Environment . Special emphasis is put on the effects of increased atmospheric nutrient input on nutrient cycling, competition between plant species and plant--herbivore interactions. The possibilities for the long-term conservation of heathlands are discussed by considering regeneration from seed and the usefulness of mathematical management models.
The book provides a synthesis of pure and applied plant ecology. It is vital reading for plant ecologists, biological conservationists, heathland managers and government decision makers.

Inhalt

1. General introduction.- 2. Atmospheric deposition of sulphur and nitrogen in heathland ecosystems.- 3. Biomass and nutrient dynamics of dominant plant species from heathlands.- 4. The effect of external stress and disturbance factors on Calluna-dominated heathland vegetation.- 5. Competition between dominant plant species in heathlands.- 6. Seed bank, germination, and establishment of ericaceous and gramineous species in heathlands.- 7. Impact of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on dry heathlands: a stochastic model simulating competition between Calluna vulgaris and two grass species.- 8. Synthesis: perspectives for heathlands.- List of contributors.