THE PHYTOSOCIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY OF SCRAGH BOG, CO. WESTMEATH

Scragh Bog, a mire of some 23 ha, harbours plant communities representative of the more important stages in hydroseral succession. These communities are described, classified and mapped according to Zürich‐Montpellier methodology. Fen communities constitute the major part of the vegetation cover and that dominated by Schoenus nigricans forms the basis of a new subassociation within the Cirsio‐Schoenetum nigricantis Br.‐Bl. et Tx. 1952. Other new syntaxa proposed are the Erico‐Sphagnetum plumulosi, the Carici limosae‐Sphagnetum contort and the Salici‐Betuletum pubescentis pyroletosum. Environmental conditions, as assessed by water table, pH and K_corr measurements and mineral analyses of surface waters, are considered in relation to the vegetation cover. Mineral analyses were performed on Sphagnum plumulosum and other bryophyte species which are important as initiators of the climax raised bog community. Growth measurements were also performed on 5. plumulosum. The significance of the vegetation cover as well as the factors influencing the future rate of succession are discussed.