Description

The bryophytes of the boreal forest are interesting in that they may form a minor element of the community in terms of biomass, while simultaneously being a major element in terms of cover and primary productivity. Even more importantly, the mosses may control ecosystem function through rapid nutrient uptake and through their effects on both the thermal environment of the soil and associated development of permafrost. Consequently, mosses can have major effects on vascular plant productivity and nutrient cycling in the ecosystem.