Studies on Structure in Plant Communities: I. An Analysis of Limestone Grassland in Monk's Dale, Derbyshire

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Abstract
Data are presented from a preliminary sociological analysis of a Carboniferous limestone grassland developed in Monk''s Dale, Derbyshire. Seven species of flowering plants (4 grasses, 1 sedge and 2 forbs) contribute the vest bulk of foliage to the community, and five of the seven species exhibit (significant) pattern at a scale of 3.2 m, which corresponds exactly with a similar distribution in surface soil acidity. The structural relationships of the community are analyzed and it is emphasized that no clearly defined ecologically dominant species occurs, despite the high relative abundance of Festuca ovina. The relatively simple structure found was somewhat unexpected but can be explained in part at least by the considerable selection pressure operating on the community by way of the grazing regime typical of the area.