The role of microhabitat for bryophyte establishment in reclamation of boreal wetlands

Abstract Minerogenous peatlands that accumulate deep deposits of organic matter (fens) were an important part the pre-disturbance landscape across Alberta’s oil sands mining area. Bryophytes occupy 80–100% ground layer in these site types and form accumulated matter. are small plants occur microhabitats integral surrounding plant community. The objective this paper is to evaluate establishment bryophytes at experimental wetland (Sandhill Wetland-SHW) by assessing changing vegetation substrate regimes over eight years after wet-up. Included analysis account flora between 2014 2021 along with evaluation associated environmental factors. At SHW, a number peatland initially established numerous areas wetland. However, subsequent increasing water tables expanding Typha -dominating areas, high sedge productivity vascular cover, sodicity have reduced available for bryophytes, result being much-diminished set bryophyte species. We suggest future reclamation designs fens should include as foundational species fen development. In comparison, non-peat forming ecosystems do not abundant such marshes saline wetlands, require microhabitat conditions. Installing recently harvested peat appears provide suitable conditions early bryophytes.