Responses of Ranunculus sabinei and Papaver radicatum to removal of the moss layer in a high-arctic meadow

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Botany
• Main Authors: Sohlberg, E. H., Bliss, L. C.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1987
• Subjects: Plant Science; Arctic; Papaver radicatum
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/b87-169; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/b87-169

Within the High Arctic, vascular plants of small size often grow in dense turfs of moss. The effect of moss removal on vascular plant growth was examined over a 2-year period for Ranunculus sabinei and Papaver radicatum. Aboveground non-repoductive parts of flowering R. sabinei were significantly (p < 0.05) larger for individuals in moss removal and moss clipped treatments than those in control plots. Similar but nonsignificant differences were found for nonflowering individuals of R. sabinei. Papaver radicatum had significantly (p < 0.05) larger aboveground, nonreproductive biomass in moss removal and replacement plots than in the moss clipped treatment and the controls. We suggest that the responses of Ranunculus sabinei to moss clipping or removal and of Papaver radicatum to moss removal and moss replacement are examples of the interaction between moss and vascular plants in relation to microsite conditions. Moss turf provides more soil moisture during drought periods as well as higher levels of nutrients. Moss removal results in warmer and more aerated soils. We interpret these results as commensalism rather than competition.