Ermolaeva, O.V., N.Yu. Shmakova
& L.M. Lukyanova. On the growth of Polytrichum, Pleurozium
and Hylocomium in the forest belt of the Khibiny Mountains
Arctoa (2013) 22: 7-14
Growth of three
moss species (Polytrichum commune, Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium
schreberi) in the forest belt of the Khibiny mountains is examined in
detail. Data on the annual linear increment and its dynamics within two years,
growth rate, their dependence on habitat conditions and main environmental factors
are presented. The linear increments are found to be almost the same in two
years with different weather conditions, being 28-33 mm/year in P. commune,
20-35 mm/year in H. splendens and 8-14 mm/year in P. schreberi. Pleurozium
started growth later than the two other species, whereas in the autumn Polytrichum
was the first of the three species stopping its growth. The maximum growth rate
was observed in the periods of sufficient moisture with air temperature
11-17°C. The growth rates in the autumn decreased ceasing when the air
temperature was 6°C and lower. The growth of endohydric P. commune is
maximal in open areas in forest meadows, whereas for ectohydric mosses H.
splendens and P. schreberi the most favorable conditions were
openings between trees.