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.