Open AccessMoss production in a black spruce Picea mariana forest with permafrost near Fairbanks, Alaska, as compared with two permafrost‐free stands
Author(s) -
Skre O.,
Oechel W. C.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
ecography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.973
H-Index - 128
eISSN - 1600-0587
pISSN - 0906-7590
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0587.1979.tb01296.x
Subject(s) - black spruce , moss , sphagnum , photosynthesis , primary production , permafrost , growing season , vegetation (pathology) , environmental science , ecology , nutrient , botany , biology , taiga , agronomy , ecosystem , peat , medicine , pathology
During the 1975 and 1976 seasons the net primary production of five common bryophytes in different stands of mature vegetation near Fairbanks, Alaska was investigated. Overall annual moss production at the intensive black spruce site was about 120 g m −1 yr −1 or about twice as high as the corresponding annual spruce production. Maximum rates of net photosynthesis varied from 2.7 mg CO 2 g −1 h −1 in Polytrichum commune Hedw. to 0.6 mg CO 2 g −1 h −1 in Sphagnum nemoreum Scop. The photosynthesis of overwintered leaves early in the season was low and as a result of new growth a steady increase in net photosynthesis occurred throughout the season. Leaf water content was found to be the most important limiting factor for growth under natural conditions. There was a strong increase in growth and photosynthesis of Sphagnum nemoreum after application of N and P, indicating nutrient deficiency.