Water’s path from moss to soil: A multi-methodological study on water absorption and evaporation of soil-moss combinations

Abstract

Mosses are often overlooked; however, they are important for soil-atmosphere interfaces with regard to water exchange. This study investigated the influence of moss structural traits on maximum water storage capacities (WSCmax) and evaporation rates, and species-specific effects on water absorption and evaporation patterns in moss layers, moss-soil-interfaces and soil substrates using biocrust wetness probes. Five moss species typical for Central European temperate forests were selected: field-collected Brachythecium rutabulum, Eurhynchium striatum, Oxyrrhynchium hians and Plagiomnium undulatum; and laboratory-cultivated Amblystegium serpens and Oxyrrhynchium hians.

Keywords

• biological soil crusts
• bryophytes
• ecohydrology
• moss structure
• moss hydrology
• rainfall interception