The ecological implications of bracken control to plant/animal systems
1976
NICHOLSON, I.A. | PATERSON, I.S.
The importance of considering bracken as part of a dynamic soil/plant/animal system is emphasized and the extent, distribution and successional relationships of the fern in the uplands are discussed. Pteridietum is classified into six types according to its pattern of local distribution. Bracken communities as animal habitat are considered in relation to distribution types, frond density and canopy cover. As a direct source of food for the vertebrates bracken is considered to be of little or no value. As an indirect source of food bracken communities may be important in providing habitats for invertebrates, though in terms of numbers of species the insect fauna of vigorous Pteridietum is not great compared with that of other communities that may replace it. Pteridietum provides shelter and cover for a number of small mammals but in these respects it is of very limited value to the larger grazing animals. It is estimated that in Scotland, under the economic conditions of recent years, bracken herbicide is unlikely to be used on more than about 40,470 ha (100,000 acres) in the combined land uses of agriculture, forestry and sport; i.e. less than 25% of the Scottish bracken coverage is at risk. At this level of control, provided some precautions are taken, it is considered that the wild vertebrates are unlikely to be seriously affected; indeed in certain situations some benefits may be derived.
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