Ectomycorrhizas associated with a relict population of Dryas octopetala in the Burren, western Ireland. I. Distribution of ectomycorrhizas in relation to vegetation and soil characteristics

Thomas J. Harrington, Derek T. Mitchell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The distribution of ectomycorrhizas on Dryas octopetala L in grass heaths of the 450 km2 karst region known as the Burren in Western Ireland was examined in relation to soil factors and vegetation type. Ectomycorrhizas were identified or characterised from 56 soil cores from 30 sites, and the occurrence of each ectomycorrhizal (EM) type was quantified by estimating the total length of mycorrhizal tips of each type. Soil organic matter, total nitrogen, extractable phosphorus, pH and depth were the soil factors determined. In total, 24 EM types were recorded. The EM community of Dryas roots was significantly more species-rich in one vegetation type-Hyperico-Dryadetum-than in others (Arctostaphylo-Dryadetum or Asperulo-Seslerietum). Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that soil organic matter and soil depth explained a significant portion of the variation in EM abundance, while soil organic matter and extractable phosphorus explained a significant portion of the variation in EM diversity. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that some individual EM types (e.g. Craterellus lutescens, Cenococcum geophilum, Tomentella sp., Boletus sp.) exhibited distinct soil preferences, most markedly in relation to soil organic matter, which, in this analysis, was the main significant soil variable distinguishing the three vegetation types.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)425-433
Number of pages9
JournalMycorrhiza
Volume15
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2005

Keywords

  • Burren vegetation
  • Ectomycorrhizas
  • Soil available phosphorus
  • Soil organic matter content

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