Effects of clear-cutting forestry on the vitality, coverage and growth of three forest mosses

This study investigates the effects of clear-cutting forestry on the vitality, coverage and growth of three common forest moss species: Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi, and Dicranum scoparium. The background to the study is the usage of clear-cut forestry in Sweden, which has shown negative effects on biological diversity. Mosses are sensitive to changes in microclimate and are therefore a suitable species group for evaluating the effects of logging. Field data were collected from five locations in southern Sweden, each comprising a clear-cut area and an adjacent forest area. Within each site, moss samples were collected and analyzed for three parameters: vitality, coverage area and, specifically for H. splendens, shoot growth of the latest year. Statistical analyses revealed that P. schreberi had significantly lower vitality in clear-cut areas, while no such effect was observed for the other two species. D. scoparium exhibited significantly reduced coverage in clear-cuts, whereas H. splendens and P. schreberi did not show significant differences. No significant difference in the annual shoot growth of H. splendens was found between habitats.The results suggest that clear-cutting can negatively impact moss vitality and abundance, but these effects are species-specific. The study highlights the importance of considering bryophyte diversity in forest management and underscores the need for further research to understand ecological consequences of forestry practices.