Seasonal variation in inorganic nitrogen content of soils from breeding sites of yellow-legged gulls (Larus cachinnans) in the Cies Islands Natural Park (NW Iberian Peninsula)

Abstract:

The highest concentrations of inorganic N were found in soils from the cliffs where yellow legged gulls breed, but only the cliffs with the highest density of gulls showed significant differences, in both summer and winter, from control sites (without gulls). The levels of inorganic forms of N were significantly higher in summer than in winter, possibly due to loss by leaching during autumn and winter. Results obtained also showed large year to year variations in concentrations of NH4+-N. The input of inorganic N to these soils via gull excrement may be one of the factors contributing to the changes in the composition of the flora found on the cliffs of the Cies Islands.

Año de publicación:

1999

Keywords:

• Seabird colony
• Soils
• NW Spain
• INORGANIC NITROGEN

Fuente:

scopus