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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Botany
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Hylocomium splendens is a dominant moss in boreal forests, yet its nitrogen-fixing capacity with cyanobacteria is poorly understood.
  • Cyanobacteria associated with mosses are a potential source of ecosystem nitrogen, influencing plant community dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify nitrogen fixation in Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi associations across Fennoscandia.
  • To investigate the influence of nitrogen and phosphorus availability on nitrogen fixation rates.
  • To characterize the cyanobacteria colonizing H. splendens and contrast seasonal nitrogen fixation.

Main Methods:

  • Field studies across a latitudinal gradient in Fennoscandia to measure nitrogen fixation rates.
  • Analysis of nitrogen and phosphorus availability as drivers of fixation.
  • Seasonal monitoring of nitrogen fixation and characterization of associated cyanobacteria (Nostoc spp., Stigonema spp.).

Main Results:

  • Nitrogen fixation rates were higher at northern latitudes (64-69° N) and less sensitive to nitrogen deposition in H. splendens compared to P. schreberi.
  • H. splendens contributed substantially to nitrogen fixation, but approximately 50% less than P. schreberi at northern sites.
  • Both species combined provided 1.6 kg fixed N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, with H. splendens showing higher rates at high fertility sites.

Conclusions:

  • H. splendens-cyanobacteria associations contribute significant nitrogen to boreal ecosystems, though subordinate to P. schreberi at higher latitudes.
  • Epiphytic cyanobacteria are crucial for the co-dominance of these moss species in the boreal biome.
  • Understanding these symbiotic relationships is key to comprehending nutrient cycling in boreal forest ecosystems.