SULPHUR AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF BRITISH PLANTS

The extent of recent additions of sulphur from fertilizers and atmospheric pollution to British soils is pointed out. Gymnosperms are especially sensitive to sulphur pollution, while crucifers and some other plants are unusually tolerant. It is possible that the diminution of some species, such as Juniperus communis, in Britain is a result of atmospheric pollution, as is the spread of many crucifers such as Cardaria draba. The distribution maps of many alien crucifers can be correlated with a map of sulphur dioxide pollution. Many native crucifers restricted to coastal habitats may be so restricted because their requirement for sulphur is satisfied by sea-spray. Sulphur is a common element in the soil which is essential for the growth of plants. During the present century the amount of sulphur in British soils and plants has increased, partly from the use of fertilizers, but more substantially from pollution of the atmosphere. The present note attempts to correlate some recent changes in the distribution of plants with sulphur pollution in Britain, and suggests that further studies of the problem should be made. SULPHUR IN SOIL