Association between bryophytes and seedlings in <i>Nothofagus</i><scp>sub‐Antarctic</scp> forests

Abstract Bryophytes, which include mosses, liverworts and hornworts, indeed play a significant role in the natural dynamics of native forests. They contribute to fundamental ecological processes such as tree regeneration. In this context, objective was analyse association bryophytes with Nothofagus seedlings, well whether substrates where grew influenced bryophyte‐tree seedling association, sub‐Antarctic forests at two contrasting landscapes (coastal mountain) Tierra del Fuego (Argentina), better understand their impacts on regeneration processes. We hypothesized that act substrate for seed germination initial growth pure mixed N. pumilio betuloides , resulting widespread seedlings–bryophyte associations all landscapes. each forest landscape location, 60 transects were established (10 m length) evaluate bryophyte cover (by point intercept method) type (bare soil, decaying wood litter cover) they growing. An adaptation relative interaction index (RII) based associated species (%) absence calculated analysed assess competition or facilitation between seedlings. seedlings less abundant compared other substrates, suggesting an inhibitory effect and/or survival . contrast, both forests, exhibited higher abundance particularly mosses mountain (RII = 0.83 ± 0.08 0.62 0.11 wood). These findings suggest facilitating during phases growth, mainly mountain. Therefore, conservation promotes continuity, structures.