A bryophyte perspective on forest harvest: The effects of logging on above- and below-ground bryophyte communities in coastal temperate rainforests

• Author / Creator

  Miyashita, Kesia A.

• This thesis examines patterns in bryophyte species richness and composition on the forest floor and in the soil diaspore bank of temperate rainforest stands which varied in time post-harvest. Quantitative data (abundance) was assessed in quadrats (25x25cm) on soil, decaying logs, and tree bases within sites (20x30m). Non-quantitative data (occurrence) was assessed throughout sites. Analyses of variance and ordination analyses were used to examine species richness and composition, respectively.
  Above-ground, richness varied significantly with substrate but not stand age. Soils were the most speciose substrates, due to heterogeneity in young stands; logs had higher richness in older stands. Canopy cover significantly affected species composition, with a trend in dominant life strategy from colonists to perennials with canopy closure. Below-ground, richness varied significantly with depth but not with stand age. Diaspore bank richness and composition differed from the above-ground flora; colonists dominated the diaspore bank and perennials thrived above-ground.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Species composition
  • Microhabitat
  • Species richness
  • Bryophyte
  • Diaspore bank
  • Temperate rainforest

• Graduation date

  Spring 2013

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3GH58

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.