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Characteristics of the seedling flora in alpine vegetation, subarctic Finland, I. Seedling densities in 15 plant communities.

2000; Finnish Zoological and Botanical Publishing Board; Volume: 37; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

1797-2442

Pirjo Welling, Kari Laine,

Bryophyte Studies and Records

Samples of mature vegetation and seedling flora were taken in 15 plant communities at Kilpisjârvi, subarctic Finland. The first aim of the study was to investigate seedling densities in different plant communities. The second, was to explore the importance of different regenerative groups, severe disturbances, altitude as well as cover of vegeta tion, bryophytes and litter in the prediction of seedling densities. Contrary to a common prediction, seedlings were abundant in many plant communities. The mean seedling density was closely related to the cover of the regenerative groups in the mature vegeta tion types and not related to the environmental factors. The densities did not decrease with altitude. Severe disturbances did not usually lead to higher seedling density, ei ther. Thus estimating the cover of the regenerative groups in mature vegetation is a most useful tool in the prediction of seedling densities. By exploring the cover of the regenerative groups it is possible to map the landscape in terms of the seed regeneration for the purpose of restoration plans.