Study

Effects of habitat management on heathland response to atmospheric nitrogen deposition

  • Published source details Barker C.G., Power S.A., Bell J.N.B. & Orme C.D.L. (2004) Effects of habitat management on heathland response to atmospheric nitrogen deposition. Biological Conservation, 120, 41-52.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Burn shrublands to reduce impacts of pollutants

Action Link 		Shrubland and Heathland Conservation

Mow shrubland to reduce impacts of pollutants

Action Link 		Shrubland and Heathland Conservation
  1. Burn shrublands to reduce impacts of pollutants

    A controlled study in 1998-2000 in a heathland site in Surrey, UK (Barker et al. 2004) found that burning to reduce the concentration of pollutants did not alter the cover or shoot length of heather Calluna vulgaris relative to areas that were mowed. After two years, heather cover did not differ significantly between areas where prescribed burning was carried out (83%) and mowed areas (77-88% cover). Additionally, heather shoot length did not differ significantly between areas where prescribed burning was undertaken (14 cm) and mowed areas (14-16 cm). In 1998 eight 16 m2 plots were mowed and four plots were burned. Vegetation cover and shoot length were estimated every year in 1998-2000.

    (Summarised by: Phil Martin)

  2. Mow shrubland to reduce impacts of pollutants

    A controlled study in 1998-2000 in a heathland site in Surrey, UK (Barker et al. 2004) found that mowing to reduce the concentration of pollutants did not alter the cover or shoot length of heather Calluna vulgaris relative to areas where prescribed burning was undertaken. After two years, heather cover did not differ significantly between mowed areas (77–88% cover) and areas where prescribed burning was undertaken (83%). Additionally, heather shoot length did not differ significantly between mowed areas (14–16 cm) and areas where prescribed burning was undertaken (14 cm). In 1998 eight 16 m2 plots were mowed and four plots were burned. Vegetation cover and shoot length were estimated every year in 1998-2000.

    (Summarised by: Phil Martin)

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