PHOSPHORUS ADSORPTION BY SOILS FROM HEATHLANDS IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND IN RELATION TO SUCCESSIONAL CHANGE

SUMMARY (1) The area of Calluna heathland in Britain and Europe has been markedly reduced, and changing patterns of land use have resulted in considerable changes in vegetation on many remaining heathland areas. (2) Determinations of the phosphorus adsorption characteristics of a range of heathland soils are described and related to differences in phosphorus economy as a result of heather burning, and the consequent release of phosphorus from organic matter components of the system. (3) Differences in the phosphorus adsorption capacity between sites are discussed in relation to changes in vegetation that have taken place in the absence of grazing or other management. (4) The implications of the differences in phosphorus adsorption capacity between sites are discussed in relation to requirements for the future management and conservation of heathlands in lowland Britain.