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Potentials of bryophytes in forest establishment
India is the second most populous country of the world, as a result to meet the ever-increasing demand for
food most of the forest areas are turned into agricultural lands. Moreover industrialization and urbanization has further excavated the problem. Thus loss of forests has caused ecological disbalance, soil erosion, global warming, unpredictable rainfall etc. In order to overcome these problems forest cover establishment and its development is the prime requirement. Large scale afforestation is encouraged that can mediate forest enrichment. Bryophytes are lower autotrophic plants on hills that frequently dominated severely stressed environments such as exposed mountain or denuded hill cover. They are the first invaders on any substratum and grow well to convert barren substratum into fertile bed that facilitates the growth of other plants and seedlings on it. Therefore they are the ideal plants for forest establishment. Some of the characteristics that make them ideal for forest establishment are:Bryophytes grow in compact cushion or mats, thus they are able to retain the seeds on their surface.Bryophytes act as soil binders, thus prevents soil erosion.Bryophytes are the pioneer invaders on the barren land; gradually it is converted into fertile land rich in minerals.Bryophytes absorb 3-20 times as much as water as their weight, therefore they help in water conservation and contribute to the retention of humid forest microclimates; prevent floods and erosion of soil.Bryophytes are responsible for maximum carbon gain in any forest cover and after death add organic matter.Bryophytes obtain their nutrients from air (ombrotrophic) that are released into the substratum after their death, making it rich.Bryophytes also assist in the accumulation of humus.Bryophytes secrete humic acid that helps in breaking seed coat. Thus also makes soil pH slightly acidic which is required for seed germination.Bryophytes can be transplanted on denuded areas as they have high acclimatization capacity.Thus bryophytes make the soil rich in minerals and add organic matter after their death making the soil porous. They also help to maintain moisture, thus fulfilling the basic requirements for seed germination. Some common bryophytes that can be used as bryo-bed include Thuidium spp., Dicranum spp., Hylocomium splendens, Polytrichum spp., Pleruozium schreberi etc.
Published: January 03, 2007
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