Mineral relationships and ecological distribution of Fissidens cristatus Wils.

Abstract

Studies carried out in the laboratory indicate that Fissidens cristatus Wils., a moss of chalk and limestone grassland, requires the following conditions for optimum growth: pH, 8.0; calcium, 10 mg/1; potassium, 10 mg/1; magnesium, 50–80 mg/1; iron, less than 0.1 mg/1; It has also been demonstrated that calcium inhibits the short-term uptake of potassium from the culture solution.

Within the shoots of specimens collected from the natural habitat, the potassium content was always higher in the current growth segments, whereas that of calcium was always lower. Seasonal variations in the total content of calcium, potassium and magnesium were observed.

The need to wash material collected in the field prior to chemical analysis has been established and the results are discussed in relation to the distribution and local environmental contamination of F. cristatus.     

Bryophyte recolonization of burnt ground with particular reference to Funaria hygrometrica II. The nutrient requirements of Funaria hygrometrica

Abstract

A correlation can be seen between the nutrient requirements of Funaria hygrometrica and conditions in bonfire soil. Excessively high concentrations of nutrients especially ammonium-nitrogen could alone be responsible for the inhibition of growth found on young bonfire soils. For rapid healthy growth of Funaria, concentrations of calcium, potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus must all be relatively high, although nitrate-nitrogen and phosphorus seem particularly important. The effect of burning and heating on the soil nitrogen cycle and the growth of Funaria on fertilized soils would repay further investigation.     

Stem biomechanics of the giant moss Dendroligotrichum dendroides s.l. and its significance for growth form diversity in mosses

Abstract

The giant moss Dendroligotrichum dendroides s.l. grows as self-supporting plants up to 40 cm in height in forest habitats in Chile and New Zealand. This moss represents one of the tallest self-supporting bryophytes. Biomechanical tests indicate that the stems can develop a high degree of stiffness (Young’s modulus) via a dense hypodermal sterome that is comparable with that of woody stems of vascular plants. A comparison with mechanical properties of other terrestrial and aquatic mosses indicates that different moss growth and life forms can produce very different mechanical architectures. Values of stem stiffness can vary between different growth forms of mosses to a comparable extent to that observed among diverse growth forms of vascular plants. Plants varying profoundly in overall size, development, and phylogenetic position nevertheless appear to develop comparable mechanical adaptations and growth forms in response to certain environmental conditions.     

Seasonal phosphatase activities of mosses from Upper Teesdale,northern England

Abstract

Changes in tissue nutrient concentrations and surface phosphatase activities of eight moss species were measured over one year in terrestrial and semi-aquatic environments on Widdybank Fell, Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve, northern England. Rates of phosphatase activity in apical regions of moss shoots differed markedly between species, but were generally greatest in the winter and least in the summer in most species. Mean values for phosphomonoesterase activity (µmol para-nitrophenol g^-1 d.wt h^-1) ranged from 18.2 for Polytrichum commune to 85.8 for Palustriella commutata var. falcata. Mean phosphodiesterase activity ranged from 3.1 for Polytrichum commune to 86.2 for Hylocomium splendens. In contrast, tissue nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations remained relatively constant throughout the year. Phosphatase activities were negatively correlated with tissue phosphorus concentration for several species, although few relationships were detected between ambient nutrient concentrations and phosphatase activity, tissue nitrogen, or tissue phosphorus concentration. These results demonstrate that phosphatase activities can provide a sensitive indicator of nutrient stress in terrestrial and semi-aquatic mosses, notably in the ectohydric Hylocomium splendens. However, further studies at sites with a wide range of nutrient levels are required to determine whether the technique can be used to indicate ambient nutrient status.     

Environmental factors influencing decomposition rates in two Antarctic moss communities

Summary Rates of disappearance of dead material of Polytrichum alpestre and Chorisodontium aciphyllum from a moss turf community and of Drepanocladus uncinatus, Calliergon sarmentosum and Cephaloziella varians from a moss carpet community, measured using litter bags over 2 years, were 1.5% year^-1. Decomposition potential, estimated using loss in tensile strength of cotton strips inserted into the different bryophytes on the two sites, was also low. Ranking the five plant species in order of decomposition potential, from highest to lowest, gave D. uncinatus, C. aciphyllum, C. sarmentosum, P. alpestre and C. varians. The time taken for the tensile strength of the cotton strips at depths of 1–3 and 4–6 cm beneath the surface to decline by 50% varied from 1–2 years under the first two species to 3–4 years beneath the last two species. The main causes of these slow rates were low temperatures, short active season and low pH. Differences in decomposition between species, sites and with depth were related to temperature, nutrient status, water content and anaerobic conditions. Variation in anaerobic conditions beneath D. uncinatus, C. sarmentosum and C. varians in the moss carpet resulted in wide variation of decomposition rate beneath these species and with depth beneath C. varians. The peat in the moss turf was aerobic and experienced higher temperatures, but the average decomposition rate was no higher than in the moss carpet, because the peat was of a poorer quality and had a lower pH.     

The ecological importance of moss ground cover in dry shrubland restoration within an irrigated agricultural landscape matrix

1. Kānuka (Kunzea serotina, Myrtaceae) dryland shrubland communities of the lowland plains of South Island (Te Wai Pounamu), New Zealand (Aoteoroa), contain a ground cover largely consisting of mosses, predominantly Hypnum cupressiforme. There has been no previous study of the role of mosses in this threatened habitat which is currently being restored within a contemporary irrigated and intensively farmed landscape that may be incompatible with this component of the ecosystem.
2. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of moss ground cover on hydrology, nitrogen (N) availability and vascular plant interactions, and in relation to nutrient spillover from adjacent farmland. Experimental work was a combination of glasshouse experiments and field‐based studies.
3. Extremes of soil temperature and moisture were found to be mediated by the moss carpet, which also influenced N speciation; available N declined with moss depth. The moss layer decreased the amount of germination and establishment of vascular plants but, in some cases, enhanced their growth. Spillover of mineral nitrogen and phosphate from farmland enhanced invasion of exotic grasses which may have benefited from conditions provided by the moss carpet.
4. Synthesis: We found the moss layer to be crucial to ecosystem functioning in these dry habitats with low nutrient substrate. However, when the moss layer is accompanied by nutrient spillover, it has the potential to increase exotic weed encroachment. Our results not only emphasize the importance of non‐vascular plant inclusion in restoration schemes but also highlights the importance of mitigating for nutrient spillover.

     

镉对一株深色有隔内生真菌生长、矿质营养与草酸分泌的影响

【背景】深色有隔内生真菌(dark septate endophyte,DSE)广泛定殖于镉(Cd)污染生境的植物根系,具有增强植物镉耐性的重要生态功能,但人们关于DSE对镉胁迫的生理响应的了解有限。【目的】研究一株DSE嗜鱼外瓶霉(Exophiala pisciphila)对镉胁迫的矿质营养与低分子量有机酸分泌的响应。【方法】采用液体培养法,研究不同浓度(0、25、50、100、200、400 mg/L)镉胁迫对DSE菌丝生长、矿质元素(氮、磷、钾、硫、镁、铁、钙)与镉含量、草酸分泌的影响。【结果】随着镉胁迫浓度增加,菌丝生物量显著下降,降幅为22.8%−90.6%,菌丝的氮、钾和铁含量分别减少26.0%−52.8%、53.8%−92.9%和12.8%−34.3%,而磷、镁和钙含量分别增加15.4%−111.4%、20.4%−31.4%和35.1%−62.5%,硫含量在100 mg/L镉胁迫时增加25.1%。镉胁迫还导致培养液pH值下降,草酸浓度及单位菌丝草酸分泌量显著增加。相关分析发现,菌丝镉含量与硫呈显著负相关(P<0.05),与菌丝钾含量呈极显著负相关(P<0.01),与草酸分泌量呈极显著正相关(P<0.01)。【结论】镉胁迫显著抑制DSE的生长,改变矿质元素的吸收,促进草酸分泌。     

Rapid photosynthetic recovery of a snow-covered feather moss and Peltigera lichen during sub-Arctic midwinter warming

Background: Arctic lichens and mosses are covered by snow for more than half the year and are generally considered as being dormant for most of this period. However, enhanced frequency of winter warming events due to climate change can cause increased disturbance of their protective subnivean environment.

Aim: To further understand cryptogamic responses to midwinter warming we compared the ecophysiological performance of one lichen and one moss species during a simulated warming event.

Methods: We measured photosynthesis and dark respiration in samples of the moss Hylocomium splendens and the lichen Peltigera aphthosa removed from under snow, and on natural refreezing after the warming event, which was simulated by using infrared heaters suspended above the ground.

Results: The moss exposed to light at +5 °C immediately after removal from their subnivean environment and from warmed plots showed positive net gas exchange within 332 s; the lichen required 1238 s. Photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation rates were equal to that, or higher than, during the preceding growing season. Upon refreezing after the event, moss photosynthesis declined considerably.

Conclusions: The moss, and to a lesser extent the lichen, may contribute to subnivean midwinter ecosystem respiration, and both are opportunistic, and can take advantage of warmer winter phases for photosynthesis and growth. This ought to be taken into account in vegetation change projections of cryptogam-rich ecosystems.     

Seasonal ionic fluctuations and annual growth rates in stands of Pinus silvestris L. and Picea abies Karst. (L.)

Seasonal variations in potassium, calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium contents of needles from two different stands of Pinus silvestris L. and Picea abies (L.) Karst. were determined monthly during a period of two years, and the growth rates once a year during five years. The stands were growing on sand or on clay. The supposed transport of potassium to the shoot during autumn could not be demonstrated. The nutrient status of pine and spruce growing on sand and clay was very similar, except for calcium and magnesium. There were only small differences in ion contents between pine and spruce, except for calcium. On soils with low water-holding capacity, the available water in dry years is the limiting factor affecting the growth rate of spruce but not of pine. It is concluded that the nutrient status of the leaves, the growth rates and the available water in the soil are factors that should have an important part in any discussion of fertilization of coniferous forests.     

Sphagnum establishment on bare peat: The importance of climatic variability and Sphagnum species richness

Question: What is the relative ability of four species of Sphagnum (S. fuscum, S. rubellum, S. magellanicum and S. angustifolium) to establish on bare peat substratum in the field when re‐introduced as single or multi‐species re‐introductions and in relation to interannual variations in climate? Location: Continental southeastern Canada. Methods: Diaspores (fragments) of four Sphagnum species alone or in combination were re‐introduced onto residual peat surfaces and were monitored to follow the development of the moss carpet over four growing seasons. In order to compare results under a variety of climatic conditions, this whole experimental setting was repeated four times (trials), with a four‐year follow‐up for each trial. Conclusions: The establishment rate of the moss carpet varied among years, in response to climatic variations between growing seasons. The relative success of different moss species and combinations of species, however, did not vary within or between trials. Thus, the species and combinations of species resulting in the highest short‐term or long‐term establishment rates remained the same for all trials, independent of the climatic conditions at the time of re‐introduction. Our results showed no link between the number of species in the diaspore mixture and successful establishment of the moss carpet. Yet successful regeneration was clearly influenced by the identity of species chosen for re‐introduction. S. fuscum, alone or in combination, was the species found to lead to the most extensive development of the moss carpet under the current test conditions.     

Effects of nitrogen supply and irradiance on growth and nitrogen status in the moss Dicranum majus from differently polluted areas

Abstract

A growth experiment was undertaken to study the effects of nitrogen supply and irradiance on growth and nitrogen status in the moss Dicranum majus Sm. from two areas receiving different amounts of atmospheric nitrogen deposition. Intact samples of D. majus carpets were taken from two Picea abies forests, one located in southern Norway (high-N site) and the other in central Norway (low-N site). The moss carpets were grown for 120 days at three irradiance levels (PPFD: 20,40 or 80 μmol m^?2 s^?l) and sprayed daily with equal amounts of a nutrient solution containing 30, 180 or 330 μM nitrogen as NO₃ - and NH₄ +. Concentrations and total amounts of nitrogen, soluble proteins and chlorophyll were highest in moss plants from the high-N site, both at the start and the end of the experiment. The elongation growth was highest at the lowest irradiance level. As total biomass production did not differ between nitrogen and light treatments, moss growth was presumably limited by other factors, even at the lowest supply rates. Concentrations and total amounts of nitrogen increased with increasing nitrogen supply in moss plants from both sites. Accumulated nitrogen was partly stored as protein and chlorophyll. Recycling of nitrogen from old to young tissues is discussed as a possible explanation for the rather low nitrogen demand in D. majus and the persistently higher nitrogen contents in moss plants from the high-N site.     

Effects of pH and bicarbonate on the nutrient status and growth of three Lupinus species

Aims

High pH, and high bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) and calcium (Ca) availability characterise calcareous soils. High [Ca] only partially explains why some Lupinus species are calcifuge, so we explored high [HCO₃⁻] and high pH.

Methods

We grew six Lupinus genotypes in hydroponics with pH 5, 6.5 and 8^a (adjusted by KOH), and 8^b (adjusted by KHCO₃). Leaf symptoms and areas, root appearance and biomass were recorded; whole leaf and root nutrient concentrations, and leaf cellular phosphorus (P), Ca and potassium (K) concentrations were determined using elemental X-ray microanalysis.

Results

Chlorosis was observed in young leaves at high pH for L. angustifolius and L. cosentinii, and P deficiency at high pH for all genotypes. High pH decreased iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) uptake in all genotypes. It also decreased lateral root growth, the uptake of P, K, Ca, and manganese (Mn) by all sensitive species; and translocation of P, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Ca to leaves in most sensitive species. However, leaf [Ca], leaf [K], [K] within each measured cell type, and translocation of K and Ca to leaves of L. pilosus and L. cosentinii at pH 8 were greater than at pH 5 and 6.5. Compared with pH 8^a, all L. angustifolius genotypes translocated more P, Fe, Zn, Mn and K from roots to leaves at pH 8^b. High pH did not affect the leaf cell types that accumulated P and Ca, but decreased the leaf cellular [P].

Conclusions

Lupinus angustifolius and L. cosentinii were sensitive to high [HCO₃⁻] and/or high pH; L. pilosus was relatively tolerant. High pH decreased lateral root growth and nutrient uptake, inhibiting growth of sensitive species. High [HCO₃⁻] diminished the negative effect of pH 8 on nutrient translocation to leaves in most L. angustifolius genotypes. This knowledge provides critical insights into the habits of Lupinus species to guide breeding of calcicole plants.

     

Climate and land use change impacts on Mediterranean high-mountain vegetation in the Apennines since the 1950s

Background: High-mountain ecosystems are centres of plant diversity that are particularly sensitive to land-use and climate change.

Aims: We investigated the ecological trends associated with land use and climate change since the 1950s in different vegetation types in high-mountain habitats in the central Apennines.

Methods: We analysed temporal changes in: Pinus mugo scrub, calcareous subalpine grasslands and alpine scree vegetation, comparing historical and recent vegetation records from vegetation plots from two periods (1955–1980 and 1990–2014) for their ecological indicator values (Landolt temperature and nutrient indicators) and structural traits (growth forms) over time using generalised linear models (GLMs).

Results: We observed significant temporal differences in the ecology and structure of the analysed habitats. In the Pinus mugo scrub we detected a reduction of subalpine and herbaceous species and in calcareous alpine screes we observed an increment of the lower montane, montane and subalpine species and of dwarf shrubs. Conversely, subalpine grasslands were stable over time.

Conclusions: Ecological changes that have occurred in the Central Apennines, following changes in type and intensity of land use and recent warming are consistent with those observed in other European mountains, for which climate and land-use changes are claimed as the main driving forces.     

Nutrient status of vegetation grown in alkaline bauxite processing residue amended with gypsum and thermally dried sewage sludge - A two year field study

Although the treatments for overcoming the high pH and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) of bauxite residue are well known, there is little information on long-term nutrient management of vegetation after rehabilitation. The present study examined the chemical and physical amendment of fine fraction residue (red mud) at the Aughinish Alumina Ltd. Bayer Plant, Ireland followed by a two-year field investigation. Gypsum and sewage sludge were incorporated into the residue and amended mud sown with Lolium perenne and Holcus lanatus. Aerial portions were harvested and nutrient composition determined annually for the first two years growth. Amended substrate was low in manganese and magnesium. After year one herbage contained adequate calcium levels, but there were deficiencies for nitrogen, manganese, potassium and magnesium. Sodium levels were not considered excessive and levels declined further in year two. Levels for nitrogen, calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium were also reduced in the second year. As levels were already deficient in year one the further decreases suggest severe nutrient shortage in the residue substrate. For long-term success of revegetation of bauxite residue, even after gypsum and organic amendment, the deficiencies of nutrients in the substrate must be overcome.     

Nutrient retention by Pseudoscleropodium purum and its relation to growth

Abstract

A complete mineral nutrient fertilizer solution was added to carpets of Pseudoseleropodium purum growing in Windsor Forest, Berkshire, to study the efficiency of nutrient capture from dilute solutions and its effect on growth. In the experiment different frequencies of application were balanced by employing different concentrations of fertilizer so that all treatment plots received the same quantities of nutrients over a six-month period. At the end of the experiment the concentrations of macronutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Ca) within the moss tissues were determined and shoot growth was assessed by the tagged shoot method.

Significant luxury uptake occurred only in the case of P where shoot concentrations in fertilized plots were 50% above the control. Smaller net increases were noted for other elements, particularly Mg. Shoot N concentration was hardly affected by fertilizer application possibly due to efficient internal recycling of the element in P. purum. Levels of exchange ably held cations were not markedly increased by fertilizer addition in the field experiment but when shoots were incubated with fertilizers in the laboratory for 30 min the concentrations of exchangeable Ca and Mg rose appreciably and exchangeable K fell. These changes appear to be quickly reversed under field conditions without transfer of cations to the protoplasts. The importance of elevated cation exchange capacity in the initial sequestration of nutrient cations is, therefore, questioned. Growth stimulation due to fertilizer treatment was negligible. Maximum net uptake of P, Mg and Ca occurred when plots were watered at weekly intervals with a dilute fertilizer and least occurred where a concentrated solution was applied at less frequent intervals implying that contact time between P. purum and its potential nutrients is an important factor. The period elapsing between fertilizer additions may also have significance, however, due to leaching away of nutrients and the re-establishment of a natural ionic balance at the cell wall exchange sites. Levels of nutrient absorption and growth were greatest at a site where the moss remained moist longest. This result indicates that the ability of P. purum to absorb and utilize additional nutrients is governed by general metabolic performance which is itself restricted by water supply in Windsor Forest.     

The use of mosses in modern pollen studies at Morton Lochs,Fife

Summary

Samples of moss were collected each month between April 1980 and April 1983 from three sites within a small woodland glade at Morton Lochs National Nature Reserve, Tayport, Fife. Variations occured in the amount and range of modern pollen and spores in the moss samples from month to month and from year to year. In particular, lower numbers and a more restricted range of taxa were found in samples collected during winter months. This casts doubt on the assumptions that moss samples contain several years' accumulation of pollen and spores and that winter is the best time of year for collecting moss samples for modern pollen sudies.     

THE GROWTH AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF THREE SPECIES OF SPERGULARIA AS AFFECTED BY SALINITY AND NUTRIENTS AT HIGH SALINITY

The effects of salinity on the growth of three species of Spergularia and the effects of some levels of different nutrients on the growth and mineral composition of the three species under high salinity were investigated in sand culture. In response to the effects of salinity, S. marina and S. rupicola behaved like true halophytes in terms of survival, mean dry weight and plant part weight ratios. Spergularia rubra also behaved like an ecological halophyte in terms of dry weight but in terms of survival, it behaved like a glycophyte. The poor growth exhibited by the halophytes, S. marina and S. rupicola under high salinity condition was significantly reversed with the addition of most nutrients, while the glycophyte, S. rubra showed no favorable response, rather the combination of some nutrients further reduced its growth. The increased growth in S. marina was as a result of increased root growth while in S. rupicola it was as a result of increased root and stem growth. High salinity conditions resulted in a marked reduction in calcium and potassium content and an increase in sodium and chloride content of leaves of the species. Addition of many of the nutrients to plants under high salinity condition generally resulted in increased sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium content of leaves, except that the addition of phosphate resulted in decreased amounts of calcium and magnesium. Results are discussed in relation to the salt tolerance of the species and how the supply of nutrients to these species in their natural habitats might help them overcome high salinity problems.     

温带荒漠灌丛和藓类结皮对土壤养分的贡献

灌丛与生物土壤结皮镶嵌分布是温带荒漠常见的地表景观之一,二者的发育均显著影响了地表土壤养分的空间分布特征及循环过程。然而,灌丛和生物土壤结皮对荒漠土壤表层养分的影响存在怎样的差异,二者对养分变化的贡献度如何尚不清楚。因此,选择中国北方典型温带荒漠古尔班通古特沙漠为研究区,以荒漠中的优势灌丛膜果麻黄(Ephedra przewalskii)灌丛和生物土壤结皮发育高级阶段的藓类结皮的结皮层及结皮下层土壤为研究对象,采集不同微生境(裸露地、灌丛下)的裸沙与藓类结皮的土壤样品。为探究不同微生境下不同土层碳、氮、磷和钾养分变化特征,测定了不同土层土壤有机碳(SOC)、全氮(TN)、全磷(TP)、全钾(TK)、速效氮(AN)、速效磷(AP)和速效钾(AK)含量。结果表明:(1)相较于裸露地,灌丛显著提高了藓类结皮不同土层有机碳、全氮和全钾的含量和裸沙全磷的含量,降低了灌丛下藓类结皮土壤全磷的含量。(2)对于速效养分而言,与裸沙相比,裸露地藓类结皮覆盖降低了土壤速效氮含量,增加了速效磷和速效钾含量;而灌丛下藓类结皮覆盖提高了土壤速效氮和速效钾的含量,但降低了速效磷的含量。 (3) 相关性分析显示,在0-2 cm土壤中速效磷与速效氮呈现显著负相关,而在2-6 cm速效磷与速效氮呈现显著正相关(P<0.01)。(4)贡献度分析表明,土壤中灌丛效应对养分的贡献(42.54%)要远大于藓类结皮的贡献(2.43%),但二者交互作用却降低了除速效氮以外的其他土壤养分含量。综上,灌丛、藓类结皮覆盖和土层深度变化对土壤碳、氮、磷和钾养分均具有显著影响(P<0.05),但三者间的交互效应对养分的影响不显著(P>0.05)。相对于裸露地,灌丛与藓类结皮的覆盖均对表层土壤碳、氮、磷和钾养分具有促进作用,且随着土层深度的下降,土壤养分含量呈现显著的下降趋势(P<0.05)。因此,在荒漠生态系统中耐旱灌丛与生物土壤结皮这两个最重要的斑块单元联合调控了微尺度土壤养分的空间异质性变化。