Initiating the transition from open-canopy lichen woodland to productive forest by transplanting moss, results from a 10-year experiment

Abstract Background and aims Low productivity open lichen ( Cladonia spp.) woodlands have been rapidly expanding in the closed-crown feather moss Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt.) boreal forest of eastern Canada. While open-woodland areas are progressing, there is little information on recoverability back to closed-canopy forests. Methods An experimental set-up using transplantation was installed a poor jack pine Pinus banksiana Lamb . ) stand with ground cover 2011. Treatments included: 1) removed, 2) removed cover, 3) control, 4) natural site (moss control). We extracted tree stem increment cores collected needles soil samples for nutrient analysis. Results The transplanted-moss treatment can counteract adverse effects growth. This enhanced foliar nutrition nutrients, especially ammonium (N-NH 4 + nitrate (N-NO 3 − ). With this treatment, conditions (e.g., moisture) were closer that control. Surprisingly, removal did not improve growth resulted poorer harsher conditions. Conclusion Feather establish, survive, remain healthy an environment previously occupied by lichen. replacement establishes appear conducive better potential restoring forests open-canopy woodlands.