Nitrogen deposition drives loss of moss cover in alpine moss–sedge heath via lowered C N ratio and accelerated decomposition

• Published in: The New phytologist Vol. 218; no. 2; pp. 470 - 478
• Main Authors: Britton, Andrea J., Mitchell, Ruth J., Fisher, Julia M., Riach, David J., Taylor, Andy F. S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England New Phytologist Trust 01.04.2018
• Subjects: bryophytes; carbon pool; community composition; C : N ratio; litter decomposition; nitrogen pool; nitrogen saturation; Racomitrium heath; Racomitrium heath; nitrogen saturation; C : N ratio; nitrogen pool; community composition; litter decomposition; bryophytes; carbon pool

In alpine ecosystems, nitrogen (N) deposition has been linked to plant community composition change, including loss of bryophytes and increase of graminoids. Since bryophyte growth is stimulated by increased N availability, it has been hypothesized that loss of bryophyte cover is driven by enhanced...