Development of Sphagnum fallax diaspores on bare peat with implications for the restoration of cut-over bogs

1, The growth of Sphagnum fallax was studied in a glasshouse experiment. Ca pitulum diaspores of S. fallax were cultivated on five different types of b are peat core, representing a gradient of increasing disturbance. Increases in length and weight were measured. Three microclimates were simulated by protecting the bare peat with a shading mesh and a plastic cover in combina tion with two water levels. 2, Significant differences in the growth of S. fallax were observed in rela tion to microclimate changes. Protection techniques such as shading mesh an d perforated plastic film allowed a better development of the diaspores com pared to bare peat. A plastic cover caused the best growth and compensated for a low water table level. 3. Feat properties are critical when diaspores grow in direct contact with decomposed peat. The porosity, and especially its vertical pattern in the p eat profile, proved to be an important factor. A particular combination of microclimate conditions at the surface of the bare pest, and physical prope rties of the upper. peat layers, may favour the growth of S. fallax diaspor es even where there is a low water table. 4. Restoration of Sphagnum species on cut-over bogs needs to consider both the microclimate conditions at the surface of the bare peat and the peat pr operties themselves. These factors are important for the diaspores, particu larly in periods of climatic and hydrological stress. In such situations, c ommensalism with some vascular plants may be a useful trigger for Sphagnum growth.