The influence of nitrogen deposition, competition and desiccation on growth and regeneration of Racomitrium lanuginosum (Hedw.) Brid

摘要

Racomitrium lanuginosum shoot growth was studied under the combined effects of N deposition (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg N ha~-1 year~-1), competition with Festuca ovina, and a drought pre-treatment. Moss regeneration from shoot fragments was also investi- gated. Growth was initially stimulated at the 60 kg N level. However after 6 months, growth was lower in all N treatments than in the 0 kg N control. Reductions in shoot growth first became apparent in the pre-desiccated moss, while moss shoots grew longer when surrounded by a F. ovina canopy.