There are many conflicting reports regarding the effects of cryptogamic biological soil crusts on seed germination, seedling emergence and plant establishment. The current research investigated the effects of cryptogams (mosses and lichens) on seedling emergence and initial establishment of two vascular plants, namely Stipa barbata and S. capensis, under greenhouse conditions. For this purpose, 28 cylindrical pots were used to carefully transport field soil to the greenhouse, from two adjacent areas with similar conditions with and without cryptogams in the northeast of Golestan province of Iran. For S. barbata and S. capensis seeds planted in pots, seedling emergence, establishment and performance were evaluated over two months. The rate and percentage were higher for plants, particularly S. capensis, on soils with cryptogams than those on soils without cryptogams; such improvements could be related to the effects of cryptogams on moisture, temperature and nutrient increase in soil.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 July 2017
How do Cryptogams Affect Vascular Plant Establishment?
Ali Tavili,
Mohammad Jafari,
Mohammad Ali Zare Chahouki,
Mohammad Sohrabi
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
It is not available for individual sale.
This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
It is not available for individual sale.
![](/ContentImages/journals/cryb/38/3/3/WebImages/094.038.0300.cover.jpg)
Cryptogamie, Bryologie
Vol. 38 • No. 3
July 2017
Vol. 38 • No. 3
July 2017
Bryophytes
Initial growth
interactions
Lichens
seedling emergence
Stipa barbata
Stipa capensis