abstract
The seasonal changes in concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na in the plants at two mire-grasslands on sub-Antarctic Marion Island (47°S, 38°E) are described. In general, N,P and K concentrations in the aboveground biomass decreased, and those of Ca (sometimes also Mg) increased as the season progressed. Concentrations of N, P and Mg in the aboveground biomass of graminoids species at the island are low compared with most graminoids at tundra mires and meadows or at montane grassland, sedge-heaths and freshwater wetlands of more temperate latitudes. K concentrations in the island graminoids are similar to those at Arctic and sub-Arctic tundras but are greater than those for most sedges and grasses at more temperate moorland sites. Ca concentrations in all the island species considered in this study are markedly lower than for plants from tundra and tundra-line areas. There were no conspicuous seasonal variations in soil nutrient levels at the two mire-grasslands.
