Abstract
A conspicuous type of heath dominated by Empetrum hermaphroditum has been investigated in the western coastal region of Troms, northern Norway (70°N, 20°E). The soil of the Empetrum heath lacks mineral soil horizons and podsol development. Instead, a peat profile up to 1 m has accumulated, which resembles the pedology of ombrotrophic bogs rather than the other Empetrum-aominaiea communities in northern Norway. The high peat accumulation rate in this heath is probably a response to the cold and wet climate, the retarded metabolism of the carbon supply in the soil, and, possibly, allelopatic properties of Empetrum.The heath type is classified as Pleurozio-Empetretum hermaphroditi Ovst. nov. ass. within the alliance Phyllodoco-Vaccinion myrtilli Nordh. 43. Several species with a coastal distribution pattern are associated with this community.Palynological investigation indicates that one stand of this association has been stable, lacking Betula, for about 1400 yr. For this reason we believe that exposure to ...
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