Atmospheric nitrogen from fossil fuel emissions and agriculture are leading to "massive" declines in the biodiversity of plants across Britain, according to new research.

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Experts from Manchester Metropolitan University warned that the variety of plants in some of the country's most iconic landscapes could plummet by up to 40 percent, leading others to become more dominant and affecting the delicate balance of habitats.

Without further efforts to control nitrogen pollution, the MMU ecologists warned, numerous species-rich habitats, including sand dunes, bogs, upland and lowland heaths and acid grasslands could homogenise, becoming home to just a few fast growing and dominant species.

The ecologists, led by Dr Christopher Field and Professor Simon Caporn, reached their conclusions by examining the effects of nitrogen deposition on plant-life at 135 sites across the UK.

More pollution = fewer plants

Observations of these 'semi-natural habitats' showed that as pollution increased so species richness declined. Nitrogen pollution was a main driver of this. Though nitrogen is vital for plant growth, too much can affect certain species, cause others to become dominant.

Dr Christopher Field explained, "The more pollution, the fewer species, so the consequences are less biodiversity in the ecosystem and many of the plants that we love will be gone. 

"Atmospheric nitrogen has increased as a by-product of fossil fuel burning and intensifying agriculture in industrialised countries, with further increases predicted in developing nations. Ultimately, without further reduction in nitrogen emissions, one species can take over and stop diversity by establishing itself as the dominant species [in a given habitat]."

Dr Field warned that the effects of pollution are already becoming apparent, adding, "We are seeing more convergence in our ecosystems and a drift towards monocultures, with increased dominance of fast-growing species such as grasses. Careful management of nitrogen emissions is now required."

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