Patterns and drivers of cryptogam and vascular plant diversity in glacier forelands

Abstract

Vascular and nonvascular plants are affected by environmental factors determining their distribution and shaping their diversity and cover. Despite the cryptogam commonness in Arctic communities, previous studies have often focused on limited number of factors and their impact on only selected species of vascular plants or cryptogams. Our study aimed to investigate in detail the differences in species diversity and cover of cryptogams and vascular plants in the glacier forelands and mature tundra on Svalbard. Furthermore, we determined the biotic and abiotic factors that affected diversity, cover and distribution of cryptogam and vascular plant species. In 2017, we established 201 plots in eight locations (each including habitat type of foreland and mature tundra) and surveyed species abundance, sampled soils and environmental data. Results revealed that diversity and cover of analysed groups differed significantly between locations and habitat types, except for cryptogam cover in mature tundra in terms of location. Distance to the glacier terminus, slope, soil conductivity, nutrient content, and clay content impacted both plant groups' diversity. In contrast, distance to the glacier terminus, nutrient content and soil pH affected their cover. In addition, for cryptogam diversity and cover, foreland location and vascular plant cover were also important, while for vascular plant cover time elapsed after glacier retreat was significant. Distribution of both groups' species in forelands was associated with time elapsed after glacier retreat, soil pH, and nutrient contents. Soil texture and distance to the glacier terminus additionally influenced cryptogam distribution. The positive impact of vascular plants on cryptogam diversity and cover indicates complex relationships between these groups, even in forelands' relatively simple communities. As the cryptogam diversity in the polar areas is high but still largely unknown, future studies on species ecology and climate change impact on vegetation should consider both vascular plants and cryptogams and interactions between these groups.