Some Aspects of Soil and Forest Litter Ecology in the Heron Wood Reserve (Scotland)

V. Kristov, S. J.J. Walker, R. Watling, A. Garside, H. J. Staines

Abstract


Here we present the results of the monitoring data collected in 8 sampling plots (with different dominant vegetation - beech, birch, and a clearance covered by grass, mainly Holcus lanatus) in the Heron Wood reserve (Scotland) over an autumn period, characterised by intensive fungal fruiting. The data were analysed using Scheffé analysis of contrast, and ANOVA with Tukey’s posthoc test, to infer differences in the overall ecosystem functioning attributable to the vegetation cover. The results suggest certain differences in the ecological functioning of beech-dominated and birch-dominated habitats. The correct understanding of the site-specific peculiarities of the ecological patterns is important for the improvement of biodiversity of woodland and forest ecosystems both in Scotland and worldwide.

Keywords


Fungi; Forest; Soil; Leaf Litter; Beech; Birch; Grass; Indirect Effects; Statistical Modelling

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