Effects of Bryophytes on Seedling Emergence and Establishment of Short- Lived Forbs in Chalk Grassland

Abstract

Spatial and temporal variation in bryophyte cover and its effect on differentiation of the regeneration niche in Dutch chalk grassland was investigated. Seedling emergence was negatively correlated with bryophyte cover in Carlina vulgaris, Euphrasia officinalis and to a lesser extent in Linum catharticum; no significant correlation could be found for Gentianella germanica or Scabiosa columbaria. Seedling mortality was lower with high bryophyte cover in C. vulgaris and L. carthartcium. Removal of bryophytes in the previous autumn increased emergence and survival in L. catharticum, but had no effect on the other species. Radiant flux and red/far quotient were reduced below a bryophyte cover.