Seasonal and spatial variation in the mineral content of some upland vegetation types in Scotland.
Abstract
Data are given on N, P, K, Ca and Mg content for pioneer, mature and degenerating Calluna vulgaris, young and old Vaccinium myrtillus, Nardus stricta, Deschampsia flexuosa/Festuca/Agrostis grassland and herb-rich Agrostis/Festuca grassland. Different vegetation types had maximum mineral concentrations at different times of year and their relative value in a mixed grazing varied with time, depending on digestibility, competition and palatability to sheep, red grouse and mountain hares. Variation between years appeared to be relatively slight.