The major organic components and caloric contents of high arctic bryophytes

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Botany
• Main Authors: Pakarinen, Pekka, Vitt, Dale H.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1974
• Subjects: Plant Science; Arctic; Canada; Devon Island; Tundra
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/b74-149; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/b74-149

Thirty-five bryophyte species representing the major habitats of a high arctic tundra lowland (Devon Island, Canada, 75° N) have been analyzed for contents of nitrogen, carbon, ash, and ether- and alcohol-soluble fractions. Mean contents (%) for the green portion of these species are total nitrogen, 1.00 (1.08 ash-free); total carbon, 45.9 (48.7 ash-free); ether-soluble fraction, 2.8 (3.0 ash-free); alcohol-soluble fraction, 11.8 (12.5 ash-free); and ash, 5.7. In the hydric species group, the total nitrogen content and the alcohol-soluble fraction are significantly greater than in mesic or xeric groups. When the green and brown segments are compared, the nitrogen content and the alcohol-soluble fraction are greater in the green portion, while the ash content is higher in the brown portion. The ash-free caloric values of hydric species range from 4.57 to 4.97 kcal/g, while the mesic and xeric species have a range from 4.50 to 4.69 kcal/g. The relations between habitats and between the green and brown portions are discussed in relation to general metabolic activity and productivity.