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Forest Ecosystems in the Alaskan Taiga pp 121–137Cite as

The Role of Bryophytes in Nutrient Cycling in the Taiga

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Part of the book series: Ecological Studies ((ECOLSTUD,volume 57))

Abstract

The bryophytes of the boreal forest are interesting in that they may form a minor element of the community in terms of biomass, while simultaneously being a major element in terms of cover and primary productivity. Even more importantly, the mosses may control ecosystem function through rapid nutrient uptake and through their effects on both the thermal environment of the soil and associated development of permafrost. Consequently, mosses can have major effects on vascular plant productivity and nutrient cycling in the ecosystem.

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Authors
  1. W. C. Oechel
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  2. K. Van Cleve
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Forest Soils Laboratory, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99775, USA

    K. Van Cleve

  2. Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99775, USA

    F. S. Chapin III  & P. W. Flanagan  & 

  3. Institute of Northern Forestry, USDA Forest Service, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99775, USA

    L. A. Viereck  & C. T. Dyrness  & 

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© 1986 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

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Oechel, W.C., Van Cleve, K. (1986). The Role of Bryophytes in Nutrient Cycling in the Taiga. In: Van Cleve, K., Chapin, F.S., Flanagan, P.W., Viereck, L.A., Dyrness, C.T. (eds) Forest Ecosystems in the Alaskan Taiga. Ecological Studies, vol 57. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-4902-3_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-4902-3_9

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-9353-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-4902-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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