Effects of bryophytes on succession from alkaline marsh to Sphagnum bog

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1982 · Am. Midl. Nat.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/2425482· OSTI ID:6542769

Glime, J M; Wetzel, R G; Kennedy, B J

The alkaline eastern marsh of Lawrence Lake, a marl lake in southwestern Michigan, was sampled by randomly placed line transects to determine the bryophyte cover and corresponding vascular plant zones. Cluster analysis indicated three distinct bryophyte zones which correspond with the recognized vascular plant zones. Mosses occupied over 50% of the surface in some areas. Invasion of Sphagnum, vertical zonation of the mosses on hummocks, zonation with distance from the lake, the abundance of non-Sphagnum moss hummocks, and the ability of the non-Sphagnum species to lower the pH of marsh water during laboratory incubations are evidence that non-Sphagnum mosses facilitate succession from alkaline marsh to Sphagnum bog.

• Research Organization: Michigan State Univ., Hickory Corners
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76EV01599
• OSTI ID: 6542769
• Journal Information: Am. Midl. Nat.; (United States), Vol. 108:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
MARSHES
ACIDIFICATION
ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION
CATTAILS
ECOSYSTEMS
LAKES
MICHIGAN
MOSSES
PH VALUE
SHRUBS
STATISTICS
SWAMPS
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
FEDERAL REGION V
MATHEMATICS
NORTH AMERICA
PLANTS
SURFACE WATERS
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
USA
WETLANDS
520100* - Environment
Aquatic- Basic Studies- (-1989)