This buffers the impact of dry weather conditions on peat moisture levels, preventing the peat from drying out and decomposing. Sphagnum’s extraordinary physiology allows it to hold 16–26 times its weight in water (Bold 1973 Amesbury 2013), in both live and dead non-decomposed Sphagnum, depending on species.
1996) and by creating acidic, anoxic and nutrient-poor conditions within peatlands (Amesbury 2013 Hajek and Vicherova 2014). Sphagnum plays an important role in peatland formation and ecological resilience, through its low decomposition rate due to its recalcitrant and antibacterial nature (Kroken et al. Within peatlands in the northern hemisphere, Sphagnum mosses are often the dominant species, comprising up to 90% of peat (Clymo 1987). It’s been estimated that today’s peatlands store ca 30% (~ 550 Pg C) of the Earth’s terrestrial soil carbon while comprising only 3% of the Earths land area (Gorham 1991 Yu 2012). This store has built up through millennia due to very low decomposition rates that are surpassed by productivity rates (Clymo and Hayward 1982) making peatlands net carbon sinks. Peatlands are important in the global carbon (C) cycle due to their function as a long-term carbon store. Our findings demonstrate the importance of species selection on the outcomes of peatland restoration with regards to Sphagnum’s growth and GHG exchange. The mesocosms were net sources of CH 4 but the source strength varied with species, specifically S. capillifolium and the − 7 cm water level treatment showed the strongest CO 2 sink strength. fallax were greater sinks of CO 2 than S. After week 9 there was a consistent three-fold increase of the CO 2 sink strength under eCO 2. Initially, CO 2 flux rates were similar between CO 2 treatments. Water levels and the CO 2 treatment were found to interact, with the highest water level (1 cm below the surface) seeing the largest increase in dry weight under eCO 2 compared to ambient (400 ppm) concentrations. fallax, yielded the most biomass compared to S. Elevated CO 2 levels increased Sphagnum height and dry weight but the magnitude of the response differed among species. This study investigates the effects of elevated atmospheric CO 2 (eCO 2) (800 ppm) and hydrology on the growth of Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum capillifolium and Sphagnum papillosum and greenhouse gas fluxes from moss–peat mesocosms. Sphagnum mosses comprise up to 90% of peat in the northern hemisphere but impacts of climate change on Sphagnum mosses are poorly understood, limiting development of sustainable peatland management and restoration. Peatlands are a critical carbon store comprising 30% of the Earth’s terrestrial soil carbon.
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