Sociology and Ecology of Larger Fungi in the Subarctic and Oroarctic Zones in Northwest Finnish Lapland

Abstract

The ecology, sociology and fruiting body production of larger fungi was studied at Kilpisjarvi in northwestern Finnish Lapland (69°05′N lat. 22°15′E long.) from 1976–83. The investigated habitats were subarctic (orohemiarctic) birch (Betula pubescens subsp. tortuosa) forests and low oroarctic heaths and snow beds just above the tree line and in the middle oroarctic zone. The middle oroarctic habitats were only observed from 1980–83. There were 17 permanent study plots of 100 m2 in birch forests and 12 in the oroarctic zone. Information is also given on the vegetation and soil conditions of the plots.