Abstract
The impact of nitrogen (N) on ecosystem functioning and biodiversity is currently recognized to be increasing worldwide. For that reason, there is an urgent need for strategies aimed at identifying and mitigating N mediated effects. Most studies undertaken at a regional scale regarding N deposition are based on models. However, there is a missing link between the predictions made by N emission models at broad spatial scales, and the actual atmospheric N deposition. Our aim was to use biomonitors to provide that link. More specifically our objective was to present clear evidence that N concentrations measured in lichen thalli can be used as an ecological tool to assess the deposition of atmospheric reduced N in ecosystems. To do so we have related N concentrations measured in lichens thalli to ammonia emissions estimated from cattle numbers and the cover of agricultural land. This was done in two areas with a Mediterranean climate in south-west Portugal. The results have shown that N concentrations in lichens could be significantly correlated with reduced-N emissions. There was a very close relationship between N concentrations in lichens and the main regional sources of reduced nitrogen. This lichen variable can thus be used as an ecological tool to map with high resolution and at a regional scale, N deposition in ecosystems. Measurement of lichen thallus N concentration will help identify areas of high N deposition where further monitoring may be required to help safe-guard against Critical Load exceedance and Biodiversity impacts.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by “SINESBIOAR- Implementation of a multidisciplinary tool for the evaluation and management of air quality and social impacts in the region of Sines (LIFE00 ENV/P/000830)” and “GISA: Integrated Management of Health and Environment of the Alentejo Litoral (private funding)”. Pedro Pinho acknowledges Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (SFRH/BD/17880/2004, SFRH/BPD/75425/2010). The authors gratefully acknowledge support through COST 729 and the Nitrogen in Europe (NinE) programme of the European Science Foundation.
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Pinho, P., Martins-Loução, MA., Máguas, C., Branquinho, C. (2014). Calibrating Total Nitrogen Concentration in Lichens with Emissions of Reduced Nitrogen at the Regional Scale. In: Sutton, M., Mason, K., Sheppard, L., Sverdrup, H., Haeuber, R., Hicks, W. (eds) Nitrogen Deposition, Critical Loads and Biodiversity. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7939-6_24
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7939-6_24
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