Global patterns of Sphagnum productivity

Data from 55 published studies of Sphagnum productivity were compiled covering 31 peat-moss species from Sphagnum-dominated wetlands. The relationships between productivity and geographical position and climatic parameters were investigated based on data from both the northern and southern hemispheres. There were interspecific differences in productivity, which could be explained by both phylogeny and microhabitat preferences. Species of section Cuspidata had greater productivity than species of section Acutifolia. The wetter microhabitat carpets and lawns had higher productivity than the drier hummocks. Climatic conditions (mean annual temperature and precipitation), together with geographical factors, were able to explain 40 of the variation in productivity. The most important single factor explaining productivity on a global scale in Sphagnum-dominated wetlands was the mean annual temperature. Climatic parameters, together with geographical position, are important for estimating the global patterns of Sphagnum productivity, and can be used to estimate productivity changes in Sphagnum-dominated wetlands under climatic warming scenarios.