Growth dynamics analysis of the acrocarpous moss Dicranum polysetum Sw. in artificial pine forests of the steppe zone

The paper discusses the growth dynamics of Dicranum polysetum Sw. in artificial pine communities of the Krasnosamarsky Forest (Samara Region) and the National Park «Buzuluksky Bor» (Samara and Orenburg Regions). These species are most commonly found in these types of communities. The authors note the vitality of Dicranum polysetum Sw. and its relation to the size of the moss curtain. The studies were conducted in the summers of 2015, 2016 and 2017. The moss was studied at 12 sites of the artificial pine forests of the Krasnosamarsky forest and the National Park «Buzuluksky Bor». Three individuals were selected at each site, the growth and vitality of them were noted during the study period. It was revealed that the smallest growth was on the sites of the smallest moss curtain in both study areas. It was also found that the microrelief and grassy layer can significantly affect moss growth. It was noted that the vitality score was higher in large clumps in the absence of any mechanical damage to the curtain, and that the shoots form twigs, on average, every two years, thereby increasing their biomass, because the area of curtains did not significantly change during the study period.