Composition of aboveground phytomass of subalpine fens in Teberdinsky National Park

Abstract

The composition of the aboveground phytomass of unique subalpine plant community Teberdinsky National Park – the subalpine fens – has been studied. The aboveground vascular plant biomass averaged 264±12 g/m2 , the species of Cyperaceae prevailed (41%), the role of forbs (37%) and grasses (21%) is smaller, the remaining groups of vascular plants and lichens are very rare. Bryophytes are abundant (31,2% of total aboveground phytomass). Communities have polydominant structure, the largest aboveground biomass is formed by Carex nigra (26,1%), Nardus stricta (15,8%), Cirsium simplex (13,4%), Primula auriculata (6,7%), Blysmus compressus (5,2%), Swertia iberica (5,2%). Mortmass store is relatively small (168±12 g/m2 ), which indicates a high rate of decomposition and an intensive biological cycle.