Wood growth response of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull to elevated N deposition and drought

Lageard, Jonathan G.A., Wilson, Deirdre B., Cresswell, Neil, Cawley, Leigh E., Jones, Helen E. and Caporn, Simon J.M. (2005) Wood growth response of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull to elevated N deposition and drought. Dendrochronologia, 23 (2). pp. 75-81. ISSN 1125-7865

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Abstract

Ring diameters and ring number counts were recorded from Calluna stem cross-sections harvested during an N manipulation experiment. The application of dendrochronological methods permitted accurate ageing of shrubs growing in a heathland of known age. Linear regression analyses demonstrated a highly significant association between increasing levels of N input and stem diameter in both watered and droughted plots (droughted in 1997 only). N inputs were identified as the most significant environmental stressor, appearing to speed ageing vis the Calluna growth cycle. Drought sensitivity was noted in the high N treatment plots (120 kg N ha−1 yr−1) with decreased stem diameters. This may have implications in the response of Calluna growth under current climate change scenarios.