Performance of four mosses in a reciprocal transplant experiment: implications for peatland succession in NE China

摘要: Sphagnum dominates the moss layer in northern peatlands, but its dominance has decreased while there been an expansion of other genera some peatlands NE China since 1960s. To discover mechanisms underlying this succession, we performed a four-month reciprocal transplant experiment Hani Peatland with three species, palustre, S. magellanicum, and fuscum one Polytrichum strictum. Performance four mosses environmental factors: height above water table (HWT), vascular plant cover pH, electrical conductivity, base cations, N P concentrations habitats were measured. Biomass production palustre was negatively affected by HWT. Phosphorus had positive effect on biomass magellanicum Polytrichum. None factors any fuscum. Overall, species deteriorated P. strictum hummocks, exhibited wider ecological amplitude maintained or increased vigour levels hummocks. indicating competitive ability Our results suggest that wide may explain why can expand replace peatlands.