Impact of long‐term water level drawdown on functional plant trait composition of northern peatlands

Understanding how plant communities respond to increased evaporation and consequent water level drawdown (WLD) is critical for predicting the functioning of northern peatlands under climate change. Functional traits provide a quantitative link between vegetation ecosystem functions and, therefore, constitute useful concept responses We studied impact long-term experimental WLD on vascular moss at rich fen, poor fen bog. Vegetation change was followed over 15-year period. In final study year, most common species were measured from control areas each peatland type. found equally high interspecific trait variation Sphagnum mosses plants while intraspecific greater in mosses. Community-weighted mean (CWM) varied sites; had strongest those that dominant group originally values for, cases, further these values. vascular-plant-dominated led taller with specific leaf area, features prevailing table also greatest site. bog, characterized by dense stands small individuals, enhanced properties increase ability stand remain moist drier conditions. The transitional two extremes, both its composition responses. Structural equation models (SEM) showed fens, indirectly via other traits, photosynthetic capacity bog site opposite. directly respiration through traits. decreased respectively. Overall, more dependent than they fens. Based findings, it evident fens bogs differently WLD. This should be considered when effects carbon cycling. A free Plain Language Summary can within Supporting Information this article.