THE EFFECTS OF WATER CHEMISTRY ON THE GROWTH OF SCORPIDIUM-SCORPIOIDES IN CANADA AND THE NETHERLANDS

Scorpidium scorpioides (Hedw.) Limpr. is a characteristic species of rich fens, where its chemical environment is one of high pH, calcium content, alkalinity, and conductivity. It often forms a dominant component of rich fen peat deposits. When grown under experimental conditions, Canadian plants of this species respond differently than plants from The Netherlands. Canadian plants respond best when grown in extreme-rich fen waters, while plants from The Netherlands respond best in waters from moderate-rich fens and in nutrient enhanced conditions. Saline waters yield no or limited growth responses from plants in both areas. The results suggest ecotypic variation between plants from the two continents. Also, the results suggest that chemical factors (i.e., saline water) affect the presence and growth of S. scorpioides. These chemical factors may have had an influence on the past distribution of the species.