Macrofungi on soil in coniferous forests

Abstract

A survey is given about species composition of higher fungi in coniferous forest communities. Natural forest communities as weH as artificial forest stands are considered. Host range of mycorrhizal fungi, dependence of soil conditions (pH-value, nutrient content, moisture) and climate are discussed in detail. 1. Artificial spruce forests In comparison to natural Piceetum-communities the macromycetes flora of spruce plantation is reduced and varies within a wide range. It consists of frequent and ecologically unspecific species. The dominating fungal species are mostly acidophilic. A complied list of macromycetes species of spruce forests is given. It gives information about abundance, occurrence on different soil types, distribution in different altitudes and areas of Europe. Only some widespread litter decomposing and lignicolous fungi can abundantly be found in spruce plantations. The age of the forest stands distinctly influences the composition of fungal species and their abundance. Disturbances of forest stands caused by man change the natural macromycetes flora. The reduction of species in forest stands is directly dependent on the intensity of forestry management. After manuring with nitrogen or depositing chalk, the fungal flora is transformed by elimination of acidophilic species and by invasion of more neutrophilic fungi. 2. Fungi of natural Piceetum The fungal vegetation of natural spruce forests mainly consists of acidophilic macromycetes. Some neutrophilic species fructificate in Piceetum on chalkcontaining soil of deeply weathered limestone. A few species are exclusively distributed in the boreal or subalpine areas of Norway spruce (see list). Most macromycetes associated with Picea abies in natural Piceetum can also be found in spruce plantations in the lowlads. 3. Fungi in forest communities with silver fir Forest communities with silver fir, which grow in sites with good mineral sources and higher soil pH-values, have a characteristic macromycetes flora. Some of these macromycetes can also be associated with broadleaf trees (especially Fagussp.). In silver fir forests on acid soil, some acidophilic fungi commonly found in Picea-forest communities also occur. While soil inhabiting fungi of Abies are sensitive for climatical conditions. 4. Fungi in Pinus cembra — Larix decidua forests of central Alps Beside ectomycorrhizal species associated with Pinus cembra or Larix decidua, some other macromycetes, adapted to other species of the genus Pinus, can be found in these forest communities. Lists of characteristic species are given. The litter decomposing and soil-inhabiting Basidiomycetes mostly are unspecific, widespread, and common species of coniferous forests. 5. Fungi in pine forest communities Many ectomycorrhizal and saprophytical macromycetes living in pine forests are stenecously adapted to these forest communities. In may cases the ecological amplitude of Pinus sylvestris is broader than that of the associated fungi. Therefore, the fungal vegetation of certain pine forests characteristic species of several pine forest communities. Lists of important and characteristic species of several pine forest communities (pine forest on dunes, moor pine forests, Empertrum-Pinus-forests, Pinus sylvestris forests on chalky soil) are presented. The fungal species composition of pine plantations is discussed. In sandy (silicatic) pine forests a rich macromycetes flora thrives, but many pine forest associated fungi are strongly threatened. The decline of many macrofungi of pine forests on poor, acid soil is remarkable. But the fungal flora of all indigenous forest communities has to be protected. The problem is that in many cases the knowledge about composition of the fungi in forest communities is deficient. Many additional studies are necessary to elucidate the interactions between fungi and plants in forests communities.