Abstract
Abstract
Aim
Overstorey tree species influence both soil properties and microclimate conditions in the forest floor, which in turn can induce changes in ground bryophyte communities. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of tree species identity and the most important habitat factors influencing understorey bryophytes.
Methods
We assessed the effect of 14 tree species and related habitat parameters, including soil parameters, vascular plant presence and light intensity on bryophytes in monospecific plots covered by nearly fifty-year-old trees in the Siemianice Experimental Forest (Poland).
Results
The canopy tree species determined bryophyte species richness and cover. The strongest differences were observed between plots with deciduous and coniferous trees. Soils with a more acidic pH and lower content of macronutrients supported larger bryophyte coverage. We also found a positive correlations between vascular plants and availability of light as well as bryophyte species richness.
Conclusion
Tree species identity and differences in habitat conditions in the forest floor lead to changes of ground bryophyte richness, cover and species composition. Consequently, the changes in the dominant tree species in the stand may result in significant repercussions on ground bryophyte communities. We indicated that the introduction of alien tree species, i.e. Quercus rubra, has an adverse effect on bryophyte communities and suggested that the selection of tree species that contribute to the community consistent with the potential natural vegetation is highly beneficial for maintaining ground bryophyte biodiversity.
Funder
Narodowe Centrum Nauki
Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Cracow
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Plant Science,Soil Science
Reference84 articles.
1. Anderson MJ (2001) A new method for non-parametric multivariate analysis of variance. Austral Ecol 26:32–46
2. Anderson MJ, Gorley RN, Clarke KR (2016) “PERMANOVA+ for PRIMER: Guide to Software and Statistical Methods”. PRIMER-E. Plymouth, UK
3. Arno T, De Keersmaeker L, Van Calster H, De Schrijver A, Vandekerkhove K, Verstraeten G, Verheyen K (2012) Diverging effects of two contrasting tree species on soil and herb layer development in a chronosequence of post-agricultural forest. For Ecol Manag 278:90–100
4. Augusto L, Ranger J, Binkley D, Rothe A (2002) Impact of several common tree species of European temperate forests on soil fertility. Ann For Sci 59:233–253
5. Augusto L, Dupouey J, Ranger J (2003) Effects of tree species on understory vegetation and environmental conditions in temperate forests. Ann For Sci 60:823–831
Cited by
11 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献