Abstract
Background and aimsPeatland moss communities play an important role in ecosystem function. Drivers such as fire and atmospheric pollution have the capacity to influence mosses via multiple pathways. Here, we investigate physical and chemical processes which may influence establishment and growth of three key moss species in peatlands.MethodsA controlled factorial experiment investigated the effects of different peat bulk density, ash deposition and rainwater chemistry treatments on the growth of Sphagnum capillifolium, S. fallax and Campylopus introflexus.ResultsHigher peat bulk density limited growth of both Sphagnum species. S. capillifolium and C. introflexus responded positively to ash deposition. Less polluted rain limited growth of C. introflexus. Biomass was well correlated with percentage cover in all three species.ConclusionsPeat bulk density increases caused by fire or drainage can limit Sphagnum establishment and growth, potentially threatening peatland function. Ash inputs may have direct benefits for some Sphagnum species, but are also likely to increase competition from other bryophytes and vascular plants which may offset positive effects. Rainwater pollution may similarly increase competition to Sphagnum, and could enhance positive effects of ash addition on C. introflexus growth. Finally, cover can provide a useful approximation of biomass where destructive sampling is undesirable.
Highlights
Peatlands are a globally important provider of ecosystem services including carbon storage, biodiversity and water quality maintenance
Many peatlands have been degraded by human influences including atmospheric pollution and fire (Evans et al 2014; Holden et al 2007)
Peatland vegetation is frequently influenced by multiple environmental drivers including grazing, cutting, prescribed burning, wildfire and atmospheric pollution (Holden et al 2007)
Summary
Peatlands are a globally important provider of ecosystem services including carbon storage, biodiversity and water quality maintenance. A range of other bryophytes occur on peatlands, but dominance of less characteristic species at the expense of Sphagnum may threaten ecosystem function. One such species is Campylopus introflexus, an invasive species native to the southern hemisphere which has shown an expanded range and increased abundance on some northern hemisphere peatlands in recent decades (Equihua and Usher 1993). Peatland vegetation is frequently influenced by multiple environmental drivers including grazing, cutting, prescribed burning, wildfire and atmospheric pollution (Holden et al 2007). Peatland moss communities play an important role in ecosystem function Drivers such as fire and atmospheric pollution have the capacity to influence mosses via multiple pathways. We investigate physical and chemical processes which may influence establishment and growth of three key moss species in peatlands. Methods A controlled factorial experiment investigated the effects of different peat bulk density, ash deposition and rainwater chemistry treatments on the growth of Sphagnum capillifolium, S. fallax and Campylopus introflexus
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