Effect of tree species identity and related habitat parameters on understorey bryophytes – interrelationships between bryophyte, soil and tree factors in a 50-year-old experimental forest

Abstract

Aim Overstorey tree species influence both soil properties and microclimate conditions in the forest floor, which in turn can induce changes in ground bryophyte communities. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of tree species identity and the most important habitat factors influencing understorey bryophytes. Methods We assessed the effect of 14 tree species and related habitat parameters, including soil parameters, vascular plant presence and light intensity on bryophytes in monospecific plots covered by nearly fifty-year-old trees in the Siemianice Experimental Forest (Poland). Results The canopy tree species determined bryophyte species richness and cover. The strongest differences were observed between plots with deciduous and coniferous trees. Soils with a more acidic pH and lower content of macronutrients supported larger bryophyte coverage. We also found a positive correlations between vascular plants and availability of light as well as bryophyte species richness. Conclusion Tree species identity and differences in habitat conditions in the forest floor lead to changes of ground bryophyte richness, cover and species composition. Consequently, the changes in the dominant tree species in the stand may result in significant repercussions on ground bryophyte communities. We indicated that the introduction of alien tree species, i.e. Quercus rubra, has an adverse effect on bryophyte communities and suggested that the selection of tree species that contribute to the community consistent with the potential natural vegetation is highly beneficial for maintaining ground bryophyte biodiversity.

Pioneer biocrust communities prevent soil erosion in temperate forests after disturbances

“…In contrast, Ingerpuu et al (2005) verified in a grassland experiment that vascular plants could actually facilitate bryophyte growth, explaining this by the fact that vascular plants create a more favourable microclimate under their canopy. Likewise, positive correlations between vascular plants and bryophyte cover have been reported for temperate forests, which are comparable to our results (Márialigeti et al, 2009;Rola et al, 2021). According to Rola et al (2021), this relationship can be explained by the species composition (e.g.…”

“…Likewise, positive correlations between vascular plants and bryophyte cover have been reported for temperate forests, which are comparable to our results (Márialigeti et al, 2009;Rola et al, 2021). According to Rola et al (2021), this relationship can be explained by the species composition (e.g. expansive grasses and sedges could easily eliminate bryophytes; Chmura and Sierka, 2007) and a relatively low vascular-plant cover.…”

“…The importance of soil pH on the growth of vascular plants and bryophytes, as well as their composition and diversity, has also been highlighted in several studies (Löbel et al, 2006;Hydbom et al, 2012;Oldén et al, 2016). For example, Rola et al (2021) showed that soils with a more acidic pH promoted larger bryophyte coverage, which could explain, among other things, the generally higher bryophyte cover in centre tracks in our study.…”

“…Also, already vegetated wheel tracks of skid trails showed 5-fold higher soil erosion, up to 21.4 g m −2 . Similarly, Safari et al (2016) reported an increase in erosion rates of a factor of 14 for bare wheel tracks of skid trails relative to the undisturbed forest floor.…”

Light Competition Contributes to the Death of Masson Pines of Coniferous-Broadleaf Mixed Forests in Subtropical China

“…The measurements were taken on a clear day, while heavy-cloudy and rainy weathers were avoided. During a very short period (from 12:00 to 13:00), we finished all measurements in the two forest types [30].…”