The distribution and ecology of coastal species on roadsides

✍ Scribed by Scott, N. E. ;Davison, A. W.

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag
• Year: 1985
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 419 KB
• Volume: 62
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1573-5052
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00044771

✦ Synopsis

The invasion of roadsides by coastal species is a response to the use of de-icing salt. The most widespread species on Britain's roadsides, Puccinellia distans, occurs in the north and east of England and Wales. This distribution is due to the varying use and effects of de-icing salt which are related in turn to regional differences in climate and traffic density. On roadsides, seed dispersal is greater in the direction of traffic flow and the smaller seeds of Puccinellia distans are carried further than the larger seeds of Plantago maritima.

Species on roadsides occur in distinct zones with the coastal species confined to the saline road margin. The causes of this zonation were investigated by examining seedling establishment in experimental plots. Seedlings were only able to establish in grass plots when the salinity was sufficiently high to kill the competing glycophytic grasses. On bare soil, the halophytes established and grew satisfactorily when salt was added but grew very poorly in the absence of salt. After two years Plantago maritima overcame this apparent requirement for salt on bare soil but Puccinellia distans and Spergularia marina did not.