Structure and Richness of Carex meyeriana Tussocks in Peatlands of Northeastern China

Abstract

Tussocks in sedge meadows may be able to support biodiversity because of their structural complexity. We studied Carex meyeriana tussocks to look at their role in creating micro-heterogeneity and supporting biodiversity in northeastern China. We investigated vegetation in paired plots on and between tussocks of C. meyeriana, and measured water depth, soil water content, soil temperature, soil organic carbon, litter depth, soil total N and P on and between tussocks. We found a total of 75 taxa in the sedge meadows. Species richness was higher on rather than between tussocks. Soil temperature, organic carbon, soil total P, and litter depth were higher on tussocks rather than between tussocks. Water depth, soil water content and soil total N were lower on tussocks compared to between tussocks. Species richness on tussocks increased with increasing tussock basal area, height and surface area. Plant composition was mostly related to the environmental variables based on canonical correspondence analysis. The main gradient is determined, from on tussocks to between tussocks, by an increase in water depth, soil water content and total N and a decrease in soil temperature and soil total P. We conclude that tussocks create different microhabitats in sedge meadows that support different species.

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