Patterns and drivers of cryptogam and vascular plant diversity in glacier forelands

Vascular and nonvascular plants are affected by environmental factors determining their distribution shaping diversity cover. Despite the cryptogam commonness in Arctic communities, previous studies have often focused on limited number of impact only selected species vascular or cryptogams. Our study aimed to investigate detail differences cover cryptogams glacier forelands mature tundra Svalbard. Furthermore, we determined biotic abiotic that diversity, plant species. In 2017, established 201 plots eight locations (each including habitat type foreland tundra) surveyed abundance, sampled soils data. Results revealed analysed groups differed significantly between types, except for terms location. Distance terminus, slope, soil conductivity, nutrient content, clay content impacted both groups' diversity. contrast, distance pH addition, cover, location were also important, while time elapsed after retreat was significant. Distribution associated with retreat, pH, contents. Soil texture terminus additionally influenced distribution. The positive indicates complex relationships these groups, even forelands' relatively simple communities. As polar areas is high but still largely unknown, future ecology climate change vegetation should consider interactions groups.