Abstract
Abstract In bryophytes, rates of net photosynthesis vary among populations. How this variation is shaped by shoot biochemical or structural traits has not been established, yet would be essential to develop useful models of forest floor function in the boreal zone. The objectives of this study were to characterize functional trait relationships in the widespread feathermoss Pleurozium schreberi, to develop an empirical model to predict net photosynthesis in this species, and to compare the performance of a surface model that incorporates the shoot system's average properties with a canopy model that accounts for the vertical distribution of light and shoot area. Maximal rates of net photosynthesis (Amax) and dark respiration (Rd) were measured (n = 25) using gas exchange at optimal water contents. Shoot system concentrations of chlorophyll (a+b), carotenoids and nitrogen were measured in addition to the water content, surface roughness (Lr), canopy height, and the vertical distribution of shoot area and l...
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