Sphagnum Research Articles

The influence of the hydrometeorological factors on the CO2 fluxes from the oligotrophic bog surface.

The influence of the hydrometeorological factors on the CO2 fluxes from the oligotrophic bog surface.

More is not always better: peat moss mixtures slightly enhance peatland stability.

Terrestrial wetland ecosystems challenge biodiversity-ecosystem function theory, which generally links high species diversity to stable ecosystem functions. An open question in ecosystem ecology is whether assemblages of co-occurring peat mosses contribute to the stability of peatland ecosystem processes. We conducted a two-species (Sphagnum cuspidatum, Sphagnum medium) replacement series mesocosm experiment to evaluate the resistance, resilience, and recovery rates of net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) under mild and deep water table drawdown. Our results show a positive effect of mild water table drawdown on NEE with no apparent role for peat moss mixture. Our study indicates that the carbon uptake capacity by peat moss mixtures is rather resilient to mild water table drawdown, but seriously affected by deeper drought conditions. Co-occurring peat moss species seem to enhance the resilience of the carbon uptake function (i.e. ability of NEE to return to pre-perturbation levels) of peat moss mixtures only slightly. These findings suggest that assemblages of co-occurring Sphagnum mosses do only marginally contribute to the stability of ecosystem functions in peatlands under drought conditions. Above all, our results highlight that predicted severe droughts can gravely affect the sink capacity of peatlands, with only a small extenuating role for peat moss mixtures.

The impact of drying on the structure and photosynthesis of boreal peatland vegetation

Boreal peatlands harbour large stores of carbon as peat below their surfaces. Climate change is expected to cause drying in northern peatlands, which will in turn impact the carbon balance of these ecosystems that is maintained by high water tables and the hydrologically sensitive plants growing there. This study aims to quantify how vegetation will be structured (I) and photosynthesize (II, III) in a future climate as emulated by long-term water level drawdown (WLD). To do this, changes in the vegetation and its photosynthesis after WLD are linked, and the response of Sphagnum mosses to periodic drought is investigated. Field measurements were done at a long-term WLD field experiment that contained a rich (mesotrophic) fen, a poor (oligotrophic) fen and a bog (ombrotrophic) site. Measurements included vegetation surveys from existing permanent sample plots and leaf-level carbon dioxide exchange measurements. For an experiment in controlled conditions peatland surface cores from this field experiment were transported to a greenhouse where the photosynthesis of lawn Sphagna during and after an experimental periodic drought was measured. The field study revealed that the response of peatland vegetation to WLD depend on peatland type. The species composition in the rich fen was the most impacted by WLD, while the bog vegetation demonstrated stability. Similarly, large increases in photosynthesis occurred following WLD on the vascular plant-covered rich fen, while changes were negligible on the Sphagnum-carpeted bog. The vegetation on the two fens shifted from an open sedge-, or sedge and Sphagnum-dominated ecosystem, to a tree-dominated ecosystem. Canopy development following WLD further accelerated vegetation changes by shading and sheltering the understorey vegetation. Vascular plants were the most likely to increase productivity from WLD as they are best suited to utilize the nutrients made available by peat mineralization, while Sphagnum moss photosynthesis was impacted little. The greenhouse study revealed that lawn Sphagnum mosses exposed to long-term WLD were more vulnerable to drought compared to those from wet sites. Large capitula typical to fen Sphagnum species appeared to be beneficial for surviving periodic drought. This work demonstrated that climate change as emulated by long-term WLD will have a large impact on the vegetation composition of northern peatlands and increase photosynthetic function of these ecosystems, fens in particular. To better predict climate feedbacks from these changes, carbon dynamics including peatland vegetation dynamics should be updated in global process models. Future research to better understand the tipping point of different peatland types after WLD in different climatic regions will help us to predict changes in these diverse and globally important systems.

Transformation of peat deposits and carbon accumulation in post-pyrogenic raised bogs within the taiga zone of West Siberia

The aim of the study was to assess of the transformation of the hydrologic and physical properties of peat deposits and peat accumulation rates in the post-pyrogenic sites of drained fens in the taiga zone of West Siberia. Location and time of the study. Field studies were conducted in 2022 on the Bakchar fen (drained for forestry, seven plots) and Ust-Bakchar fen (drained for peat extraction, three plots) located in the Tomsk region. Methods. Peat sampling was carried out from two boreholes at each plot in the hollow and the hummock. The sampling increment was 5 cm; the total depth was 45–90 cm. Peat samples were taken at nine subsites by the envelope method on each plot in 0–30 cm layer by 10 cm increment for water content determination in laboratory. Laboratory study of peat characteristics was carried out using the following methods: water and ash content measurements (GOST 11306-2013, GOST 11306-2013), estimation of peat decomposition and humification degree, botanical composition (GOST 28245-89), as well as measuring peat bulk density. Carbon stocks in the upper layer of peat deposits was estimated using the values of peat ash content and density. Results. The peat deposit of the upper layers was formed mainly by sphagnum peat with Sphagnum fuscum plant residues predominating. The differences between hollows and hummocks in their peat properties were manifested to a depth of 5–15 cm from the surface of depressions. The burnout of the hollows led to the changes of all peat properties to a depth of 10–15 cm: the changes were more pronounced in ash content, which was 1.5–9 times higher in the 0–5 cm layer as compared with the unburned site. The changes in peat properties on positive relief forms, i.e. moss hummocks, was less evident in the upper 0–5 cm layer, but reached a greater depth of 30 cm. The change was revealed mainly as an increase in peat ash content due to the migration of ash elements from the surface of burnt hollows and as an increase in bulk density due to subsidence of moss hummocks with the died-off sphagnum moss. Although the average water content in postpyrogenic and unburned sites was the same, amounting to 90–91% in the 0–30 cm layer, some difference was observed between the microrelief forms. The post-pyrogenic site in the Bakchar fen was characterized by water content decrease in hollows and hummocks, the maximum values being observed at an altitude near the average surface. In the Ust-Bakchar fen, water content was found to decrease from hollows to hummocks. In the Bakchar fen, 30 years after the fire peat accumulation occurred only on positive microrelief forms, where the 35 cm thick layer formed after the fire. Taking into account the microrelief heterogeneity, carbon accumulation over the post-fire period was estimated as 1.9 kg C/m2 or 60 g C/m2 per year. Peat accumulation seemed much slower in the Ust-Bakchar fen and was apparently absent on most of the surface. The average rate was estimated as 7 g C/m2 per year. Conclusions. The study found fen hollows to be most prone to burnout. The consequences of the fire manifest themselves in the drying of the upper layer of the peat deposit, thus preventing intensive overgrowth by sphagnum mosses 6–8 years after the fire. At the drained for forestry site in the Bakchar fen, 30 years after the fire the peat accumulation rate on moss hummocks was comparable to the rate in the unburned areas.

Использование вегетационных и водных индексов для оценки состояния постпирогенных верховых болот Западной Сибири

The article presents an analysis of the using vegetation and water indices possibilities to assess the pyrogenic load and post-pyrogenic vegetation restoration in raised bogs. The object of the study is burned out in 2016 site within the drained part of the Great Vasyugan mire. The research based on the vegetation field description data carried out in 2023 and Landsat 8 satellite data. Vegetation (NDVI, VARI, NBR) and water (NDWI WRI) indices for field research plots were calculated, and a statistical analysis of their interrelationships with the degree of pyrogenic load and characteristics of vegetation cover was performed using the principal component method. The effect of the wildfire was manifested in the partial or complete burning of the surface, trees, dwarf shrubs and mosses. Seven years after the fire, there was an almost complete restoration of dwarf shrubs, the appearance of pine and birch undergrowth, intensive overgrowth of burnt surfaces by Polytrichum strictum, and the restoration of sphagnum mosses began. The study showed that the values of all the considered indices, with the exception of NDVI, are lower at post-pyrogenic points compared to unburned ones. Of all the indices considered, NDWI showed the maximum dependence on the proportion of surface burnout and projective coating with sphagnum mosses. Water indices turned out to be more suitable in comparison with vegetation indices for assessing pyrogenic load and trends of post-pyrogenic restoration in conditions of raised bog. The results obtained will be used to create training inputs for decoding satellite data and to conduct a spatial and temporal assessment of the restoration of post-pyrogenic sites.

The use of a geogrid – geotextile geo-composite to improve soft soils for construction works at a facility expansion site in Western Canada

Soft soils pose several challenges for construction works – from site accessibility and trafficability challenges, to earthworks, foundation design and other related challenges. This paper presents the use of a geocomposite reinforcement material to improve site accessibility and trafficability for a facility expansion project at a manufacturing and processing site in Western Canada. The soil stratigraphy at the site consisted of approximately 0.1 m to 0.8 m layer of organic topsoil (peat moss), underlain by soft lacustrine clay that extended up to depths of 11.5 m to 14.6 m below the ground surface. The soft surficial soils at the site made it challenging, or impossible in some areas, for the field investigation and construction equipment and crew to access the proposed construction areas. There was a high risk of equipment getting stuck or falling over in various areas, which had reportedly occurred during previous works on the site. To create a suitable working and trafficable surface for the required construction works, the geo-composite reinforcement material was placed directly on top of the stripped subgrade, followed by a 300 mm layer of compacted well-graded pit run. The use of the geo-composite reinforcement material helped to create the required stable working surface for equipment and crew to complete the construction of the facility expansion.

Revalorization of degraded maguey pulquero substrate for Lycopersicon esculentum germination

The bagasse of Agave salmiana (maguey pulquero) is a residue generated during the exploitation of the plant to obtain pulque, inulin, honey, etc. Due to its chemical composition, it can be used for the cultivation of fungi of the Pleurotus genus and the subsequent use of the degraded material "degraded substrate (DS)" as a support for the germination of vegetables. The objective of the study was to characterize the bagasse of maguey pulquero biodegraded by Pleurotus djamor as a new perspective in its value chain, and subsequent use for the germination of Lycopersicon esculetum (tomato). The DS was recovered at 60 d from the P. djamor culture, characterized physicochemically and the conformation of the plant tissue was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The DS showed a decrease in protein (4.8–3.3 %) content and fibrous fraction (54–36 %), but dry matter digestibility increased from 47 to 71 %; in addition, changes in mineral composition were observed, mainly in calcium concentration (6 %). Due to its composition, it is possible to revalue DS in the germination of L. esculetum to reduce the use of peat moss (commercial peat). The results show that up to 25 % of maguey DS mixed with 75 % peat moss can be used (25:75), reaching a germination percentage of 85 % and increasing the seedling emergence speed index from 0.96 – 1.25. Concluding that it is possible to implement a circular strategy in which agave bagasse is used for mushroom cultivation and the subsequent recovery of the spent substrate for tomato germination.

Forest vegetation of the national park “Koigorodsky” (Komi republic)

The Koygorodsky National Park was organized by the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 07.12.2019. The area is 56.7 thousand hectares. Organizers of the Koygorodsky National Park hypostasized that in the Southern part of Komi Republic where the Park was located spruce and fir forests with nemoral occurred. They also hypostasized also that the forests of Koygorodsky National Park existed for a long period in the conditions of natural dynamics. The purpose of the article is to test these hypotheses. The National Park is located in the eastern part of the East European Plain near the border between meddle and southern subzones of taiga zone. The relief on the most part of the reserve is formed by the edges of the Northern Uvals The first data on the forest vegetation and flora of vascular plants of the Koigorodsky National Park, which has not been studied botanically before, have been obtained. 12 plant associations from five formations of dark coniferous (spruce, fir), light coniferous (pine) and small-leaved (aspen, birch) forests were identified in the classification of forest vegetation of the Koygorodsky National Park. Spruce forests occupy a fairly wide range of sites, were represented by three groups of associations: green-moss, herb-rich and bog moss, and occurred mainly to river valleys and wetlands of the watershed. Aspen forests were represented by green-moss and herbaceous communities and occupied most of the territory of the National Park. Birch, pine and fir forests occupied small areas. The predominance of secondary small-leaved aspen and birch forests in the territory of the National Park refutes the hypothesis that its forests existed for a long time without human influence. At the same time, the hypothesis about the presence of communities with a high proportion of nemoral species in the Koygorodsky National Park was confirmed.

Carbon content and other soil properties of near-surface peats before and after peatland restoration.

Peatland restoration usually aims at restarting the peatlands' function to store carbon within peat. The soil properties of the near-surface peat can give a first understanding of this process. Therefore, we sampled pH value, total organic carbon content (TOC), total nitrogen content (TN), C/N ratio as well as dry bulk density (BD), and describe the structure of near-surface peats in six restored fens in North-East Germany before (2002-2004) and after (2019-2021) restoration. Before restoration, the study sites showed peat degradation to various extents in their near-surface peats. pH values remained relatively stable over time. Comparing the degraded peat horizons, TOC increased significantly in four study sites, ranging from 35.7% to 47.8% in 2002-2004 and from 42.5% to 54.0% in 2019-2021. TN varied from 1.5% to 3.5% in 2002-2004 and from 1.8% to 3.2% in 2019-2021, but changes were only significant in one site, showing a slight decrease. In three sites, the increase in C/N ratio was significant, indicating lower nutrient availability. BD ranged from 0.08 to 0.48 g/cm3 in 2002-2004 and from 0.10 to 0.16 g/cm3 in 2019-2021, decreasing significantly in four sites. The structure of the degraded peat horizons changed after restoration to a more homogenous, sludge mass with larger re-aggregates. In three sites, new peat moss peat layers above the degraded soil horizon were present in 2019-2021, with a mean thickness of 6.8 to 36.1 cm. The structure was comparable to typical, slightly decomposed peat moss peat. Our findings suggest that within about 17 years after fen restoration, and thereby a water table rise close to surface, TOC of the near-surface peats increased to values that are typical for undisturbed peatlands. This indicates that restoration can lead to the re-establishment of peatlands as potential carbon sinks, with TOC within the near-surface peat as one key factor in this process. Further, we assume that the decrease in nutrient availability, decrease of BD, and new, undisturbed peat layers can favor the establishment of mire-specific biodiversity and support ecosystem services similar to near-natural mires.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Various Growing Media in Banana (Musa accuminata) Seed Germination

Banana is a fruit plant with numerous benefits and is considered one of the significant agricultural commodities in the world and in Indonesia. Typically, banana propagation is carried out through vegetative means using offshoots. However, this method comes with certain limitations, including challenges in generating a large number of uniform seedlings and the risk of disease contamination. Propagating bananas through seeds could offer a potential solution to address these issues. Banana seeds play a critical role in the reproduction and formation of new plants. This research aims to assess the impact of various growing media and identify an effective and efficient method for banana seed germination. The selected growing media encompass rockwool, Charcoal Husk, sand, cocopeat, farmer’s planting media, a 1:1 mixture of Manure Compost and Soil, and Moss Sphagnum media, all on a greenhouse scale. The results indicate that Rockwool achieved the highest germination rate at 71.0%, followed by Moss Sphagnum media (66.33%), and cocopeat (64.67%). Conversely, sand, charcoal husk, farmer’s planting media, and manure compost + soil exhibited lower germination rates. Each of these media options, including compost + soil, has its unique advantages and drawbacks. Moss Sphagnum media, for instance, features numerous cavities that enable plant roots to grow freely and effectively absorb and retain water. This study offers valuable guidance to farmers in selecting appropriate growing media to enhance banana seed germination, potentially benefiting agricultural development.

Effect of Propagation Media and Plant Growth Regulators on Adventitious Rooting of Softwood Cuttings of Apocynum lancifolium Russanov

Background and objective: <i>Apocynum lancifolium</i> Russanov is a perennial herb native to Korea and belonging to the family Apocynaceae. Herein, cutting mediums and plant growth regulators (PGRs) were examined to investigate the requirements for the cutting propagation of <i>A. lancifolium</i>.Methods: The study was conducted over a period of 6 weeks from May to June 2023. As types of cutting medium for propagation by cutting, Kanuma soil, commercial potting mixes, perlite, and peat moss were used, and the PGRs of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at varying concentrations (100, 500, and 1,000 mg⋅L<sup>-1</sup>) and a 1:1 (v/v) solution of Rootone (0.4% 1-naphthylacetamide) diluted in water were applied for this study. After six weeks, growth characteristics, including cutting survival rate, rooting rate, shoot height, the number of leaves, root length, the number of roots, dry weight of shoots, and dry weight of roots, were examined.Results: Among the different growing substrates used for experimentation, the cutting survival rate on Kanuma soil (81.7 ± 5.0%) was the highest, followed by commercial potting mixes (40.0 ± 7.2%) and perlite (66.7 ± 2.7%), while the lowest cutting survival rate was on peat moss (35.0 ± 6.3%). On treatment with Kanuma soil (81.7 ± 5.0%), the rooting rate was also significantly greater than that when treated with other substrates. In the PGR experiment, the cutting survival rate and rooting rate treated with Rootone (0.4% 1-naphthylacetamide) were significantly higher than those when treated with other substrates. Further, the number of roots increased with an increase in the IBA concentration. Based on the results, we recommend treating <i>A. lancifolium</i> cuttings with Rootone and Kanuma soil to ensure successful cutting propagation of <i>A. lancifolium</i>.Conclusion: This mass production system for <i>A. lancifolium</i> via cutting propagation shows promise in terms of scalability and could help with germplasm conservation efforts for <i>A. lancifolium</i>.

Effect of Different Growing Media on Growth Performance of Liberica Coffee Rootstock

Liberica coffee is a hardy perennial crop grown by smallholders as a monocrop or intercrop with coconut or other fruit trees. The current propagation method of Liberica coffee clones is based on grafting, which requires 7-8 months for rootstock to mature and another 7-8 months for planting. The current production manual suggests using a 1:1 ratio of soil to sand to produce matured Liberica coffee rootstock. Studies have shown that using a combination of planting media, such as rice husk charcoal and compost, can result in higher plant height, number of leaves, internodes, and leaf area. A combination of leaf manure, silt, straw, peat moss, and soil performed better than 100% soil due to better nutrients, water, and anchorage provision. Consequently, a study to assess the impacts of growing media on MKL 1 polyhybrid as rootstock was carried out. The experimental design used was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4 replications. Treatment consist of T1 = soil + sand (1:1), T2 = soil + cocopeat (1:1), T3 = soil + peat moss + sand + cocopeat (1:1:1:1), T4 = soil + peat moss + cocopeat (2:1:1), T5 = soil + peat moss (3:1), T6 = soil + chicken manure (3:1) and T7 = soil + CIRP (10:1). Parameters evaluated in this study include plant height, leaves number, stem girth, SPAD, fresh root weight and dried root weight. The findings indicate that the treatments had a significant impact on girth, SPAD, and root fresh weight and these three parameters share significant positive association with one another. Girth performed best under T4 although fresh root weight and SPAD performed noticeably better under T3. Current recommended protocol for media performed significantly lower compared to other media. This study offers a new outlook on how to improve current protocol on Liberica coffee rootstock preparations.

Adsorption of Copper Ions from Aqueous Systems Using Moss Peat: Reaction Kinetics and Adsorption Isotherm

The removal of copper ions from aqueous systems using moss peat was investigated. Kinetic experiments were conducted at a constant temperature, pH, and initial copper concentration. The data obtained from the kinetic experiments were analysed and fitted well using the pseudo-second-order model. The data of the isotherm experiment were modelled and fitted well with the Langmuir models. This finding suggests that copper ions are chemically adsorbed on the moss peat and assume monolayer adsorption. The optimum pH for copper ion adsorption by moss peat was investigated over a range of (2-4.5), and it was found that the maximum adsorption capacity of moss peat was achieved at pH 4.5. The results of this study suggest the potential use of moss peat as an effective material for the adsorption of copper ions from aqueous solutions under a range of environmental conditions.

Respon Pertumbuhan Anggrek Dendrobium Fase Seedling terhadap Variasi Jenis Media Tanam

Orchids are ornamental plants that are very popular with the public and consist of many types of orchids. The aim of this research is to find out how various types of planting media influence the growth of dendrobium orchids. This study was conducted for three months, from May to July 2023. The research used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) which consisted of three different types of planting media, namely: M1 (kadaka roots); M2 (wood charcoal); and M3 (Sphagnum moss). Data analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA and the Lowest Significant Difference (LSD) test at the 5% level. The results of the analysis show that there are differences in the types of planting media used to plant kadaka roots, Sphagnum moss, and wood charcoal. In the planting medium, kadaka roots grow well with high variable stem growth. In the Sphagnum moss planting medium, it gave the best growth in the shoot height increase variable, while in the wood charcoal planting medium it did not show suboptimal growth in terms of stem height, stem diameter, shoot height and number of roots. Sphagnum moss planting medium provides the best growth for increasing shoot height.

EFFECT OF VARIOUS SUBSTRATE ON THE YIELD AND QUALITY OF RADISH (Raphanus sativus)

This study was carried out in field of Sulimani Polytechnic University, Halabja Technical College of Applied Sciences, Department of Agriculture Project Management, in 2021-2022 to test of different types of peat moss (Latvia, Iraq, Turkish, Germany, and Holland), and various level of peat moss (0,2.5, and 5 percent) on the growth and yield of radish plant (Raphanus sativus). This experiment was designed complied random block design (RCBD), with fifteen treatments and three replications. As results, the morphological properties (chlorophyll, leave tall, leave weight before and after dry, root tall, root diameter, root weight before and after dry, root and leaves dry, root and leaves water content) showed that the statistically not significant different between treatments. However, the highest chlorophyll was taken from treatment Iraq+ level 5 percent (23.967). Also, the highest leave tall, leave weight before dry, root dimeter, root tall, and root weight before and after dry was obtained from treatment that consist of Germany peat moss + level 5 percent (18.4 cm, 22.2 g, 8.4 cm, 39.157 mm, 58.433 g, 2.333 g) respectively. Also, the maximum of leaves weight (g) after dry was obtained from the treatment of Holland peat moss + level 5 percent (2,6 g). Furthermore, the interaction between treatment showed statically not significant different between them. Thus, application of peat moss is important to cultivation of radish and organic crop production. Even so, recommendation to the farm and scientist to use higher level that the level used in this study.

Comparison of linear increments and annual production of Sphagnum mosses obtained using three research methods (Koivulambisuo mire system, southern Karelia)

Comparison of linear increments and annual production of Sphagnum mosses obtained using three research methods (Koivulambisuo mire system, southern Karelia)

Sulfur speciation in Sphagnum peat moss modified by mutualistic interactions with cyanobacteria.

Peat moss (Sphagnum spp.) develops mutualistic interactions with cyanobacteria by providing carbohydrates and S compounds in exchange for N-rich compounds, potentially facilitating N inputs into peatlands. Here, we evaluate how colonization of Sphagnum angustifolium hyaline cells by Nostoc muscorum modifies S abundance and speciation at the scales of individual cells and across whole leaves. For the first time, S K-edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy was used to identify bulk and micron-scale S speciation across isolated cyanobacteria colonies, and in colonized and uncolonized leaves. Uncolonized leaves contained primarily reduced organic S and oxidized sulfonate- and sulfate-containing compounds. Increasing Nostoc colonization resulted in an enrichment of S and changes in speciation, with increases in sulfate relative to reduced S and sulfonate. At the scale of individual hyaline cells, colonized cells exhibited localized enrichment of reduced S surrounded by diffuse sulfonate, similar to observations of cyanobacteria colonies cultured in the absence of leaves. We infer that colonization stimulates plant S uptake and the production of sulfate-containing metabolites that are concentrated in stem tissues. Sulfate compounds that are produced in response to colonization become depleted in colonized cells where they may be converted into reduced S metabolites by cyanobacteria.

Geomagnetic Anomaly in the Growth Response of Peat Moss Sphagnum riparium to Temperature.

Temperature plays an essential role in a plant's life. The current investigation reveals that photoreceptors, whose activity is affected by the geomagnetic field, are a critical element of its perception. This knowledge suggests that plants' responses to temperature could shift in different geomagnetic conditions. To test this hypothesis, we studied the change in the growth response of the peat moss Sphagnum riparium to temperature with a gradual increase in the geomagnetic Kp index. Growth data for this species were collected from Karelian mires by detailed monitoring over eight full growing seasons. The growth of 209,490 shoots was measured and 1439 growth rates were obtained for this period. The analysis showed a strong positive dependence of sphagnum growth on temperature (r = 0.58; n = 1439; P = 1.7 × 10-119), which is strongest in the Kp range from 0.87 to 1.61 (r = 0.65; n = 464; P = 4.5 × 10-58). This Kp interval is clearer after removing the seasonal contributions from the growth rate and temperature and is preserved when diurnal temperature is used. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis and show the unknown contribution of the geomagnetic field to the temperature responses of plants.

Response of growth performance and yield of butternut squash(Cucurbita moschata Duch Ex Poir) cultivar Waltham under differentdosages of bokashi application

Butternut squash, also known as Cucurbita moschata, is a variety of pumpkin with promising commercial potential. However,most of the soils in the tropics are acidic and lack organic matter.The addition of organic material such as bokashi is essential inimproving the low soil pH and soil quality. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the effects of different rates of bokashi application on the growth performance and yield of butternut squash cultivated on tropical acid soil. A planting experiment was carried out from July until October 2022. A total of 36 planting beds were prepared, and each bed was constructed in 100 cm x 400 cm, consisting of 8 plants bed-1. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block design. A total of three different rates of bokashi were applied to the soil prior to planting, namely 0 (control), 4,000, and 8,000 kg ha-1. A 12,000 kg ha-1 of commercial peat moss (Holland Free Peat) was also applied to compare bokashi and peat moss (the common planting medium used in most planting activities). The maximum plant height growth and leaf production for butternut squash was around 7-8th week. Application rate of 8,000 kg ha-1 bokashi contributed to significantly highest plant height (352.1 cm), number of leaves (86 leaves), and yield of Waltham butter squash per plant (1.5 kg plant-1). Multiple planting cycles should be carried out further to elucidate the bokashi's residual effect on nutrient supply to butternut squash cultivation.

Анотований список сфагнових мохів на території гірського масиву Ґорґани

The article provides a summary of current knowledge related to the distribution, anatomical-morphological, and ecological characteristics of sphagnum mosses on the mountain massif of Gorgany. The analysis is based on the original field research, and also literature and herbarium data. It has been established that genus Sphagnum L. within the Ukrainian Carpathians is represented by 30 species, with 23 species occurring in the Gorgany mountain massif. Information about the species diversity of this moss group is mentioned in the works of scientists such as Zerov D. K., Partika L. Ya. (1975), Nyporko S. O. (2006); Savitska A. G. (2012), Felbaba-Klushyna L. M. (2015), Rabyk I. V., Danilyk I. M. (2022), Prytula S. V., Mamchur Z. I., Drach Yu. A. (2020; 2022), in the herbarium collections of the Department of Ecology at Ivan Franko National University, the State Museum of Natural History of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (LWS), the M. G. Kholodny Institute of Botany (KW), as well as electronic databases like the National Biodiversity Information Network and the Center for Biodiversity Data of Ukraine. According to the research, an annotated list of 23 species of sphagnum mosses in the Gorgany territory was identified and compiled. The distribution of these species in various sections of the massif was analyzed, including Krayovi Nyzhkohirni, Zovnishni (Skybovi), and Pryvododilni (Vnutrishni) Gorgany. The highest number of species was recorded in the Pryvododilni Gorgany area. The Krayovi Nyzhkohirni Gorgany is still not researched, and also there is no any data about the distribution of sphagnum mosses. A taxonomic analysis was conducted, including classification into 5 subgenera, of which four were identified within the study area. The subgenera Acutifolia (Russow) A.J.Shaw (10) and Cuspidata Lindb (8) are represented by the highest number of species. No species from the Rigida (Lindb.) A.Eddy subgenus were found.