Acid Phosphatase Activity in Sphagnum Species in Relation to Phosphate Nutrition

Summary Acid phosphatase activity in 11 Sphagnum species collected from one or more of 13 sites in the U.K. and Sweden was negatively correlated with tissue phosphorus concentration. The effects of phosphate supply on enzyme activity were investigated in both laboratory and field experiments. Phosphate enrichment reduced enzyme activity and phosphate starvation increased enzyme activity. The results are discussed in relation to the use of acid phosphatase as an indicator of phosphate supply in both natural and polluted ecosystems.