| Abstract: | Above-ground biomass of Deschampsia flexuosa from 40 sites throughout Britain was analysed for concentrations of elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Na), with matching analyses of nutrient levels in the soils, together with pH and LOI. Seasonal variation in the nutrients was also studied in detail at one of the sites. the grass was found on acid sites ranging between pH 3.1 and 4.7. the soil humus content varied widely, and there were significant correlations between that and elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn and Na) in the soil. Concentrations of zinc and manganese in the plant material were the only elements that significantly correlated with extractable levels in the soils. Tissue concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium declined throughout the growing season, whereas the other elements showed a tendency to build up until the end of September. Calcium, magnesium and manganese concentrations then declined as growth ceased. the results are compared with above-ground concentrations of minerals in other plants and the growth strategy of this perennial grass. |
