In ecology, base-richness is the level of chemical bases in water or soil, such as calcium or magnesium ions. Many organisms prefer base-rich environments.
Chemical bases are alkalis, hence base-rich environments are either neutral or alkaline. Because acid-rich environments have few bases, they are dominated by environmental acids (usually organic acids). There is a positive correlation between base-richness and calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and carbonates (HCO3, and a negative correlation with pH, Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), and Aluminum (Al). However, the relationship between base-richness and acidity is not a rigid one – changes in the levels of acids (such as dissolved carbon dioxide) may significantly change acidity without affecting base-richness.
Base-rich terrestrial environments are characteristic of areas where underlying rocks (below soil) are limestone. Seawater is also base-rich, so maritime and marine environments are themselves base-rich.
Base-poor environments are characteristic of areas where underlying rocks (below soil) are sandstone or granite, or where the water is derived directly from rainfall (ombrotrophic).
There is no correlation between base-richness and availability of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
Examples of base-rich environments
Examples of base-poor environments
See also
References
- The Wetlands Handbook, 2 Volume Set. Wiley. 2009. pp. 285–286. ISBN 9781444315820. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
- Eco-Hydrology. Taylor & Francis. 2005. pp. 158–159. ISBN 9781134715435. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
- Rydin, Håkan; Jeglum, John K. (2013). "1.2.2". The Biology of Peatlands, 2e. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780191508295. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
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