Diversity and composition of moss guilds on uprooted trees in Central European mountain forests: effects of uprooting components and environmental variables

Key message The size of the structural components of the root-pit-mound complex was crucial for high moss species richness. Root plates, pits, and mounds were similar in terms of moss species composition, which was mostly determined by forest type. Context Uprooted trees may be colonized by different terricolous mosses including common species and specialists. Aims The main aim of the present study was to analyze the relative effects of tree uprooting on mosses. Methods We used the parametric ZIGLMM and GLMM models to explain the richness and abundance of the moss species and double constrained correspondence analysis (dc-CA) to analyze species composition. Results The size of components of RPM complexes had a positive effect on moss species richness. The species cover of mosses was positively correlated with elevation. Species richness was partly dependent on forest type and species cover on component type and age of the RPM complex. The most important factor diversifying species composition was the type of forest. Species traits were also related to forest communities. Conclusion Uprooted trees are worth keeping in forest community, especially large ones. Moreover, the conservation value of uprooted trees in woodlands is higher if they are dispersed in different forest types.

Automated summary

The size of structural components in root-pit-mound complexes is crucial for moss species richness, with species composition being mainly determined by forest type. Uprooted trees can be colonized by different terricolous mosses and have important conservation value in forest communities. Moss species richness is influenced by forest type, while species composition is affected by the type of forest and the size of components within the root-pit-mound complex.