| bulk density |
mg cm−3
|
bulk density is strongly related to organic matter content, and then to C sequestered in Sphagnum tissues |
6–10 |
Bengtsson et al. [15] |
| shoot density |
cm−2
|
species that grow in high shoot densities better retain water |
6–10 |
Bengtsson et al. [15] |
| spore diameter |
µm |
large spore diameter favours dissemination of the species and then its capacity to cope with environmental changes |
2–17 |
Sundberg et al. [25] |
| spore capsule diameter |
mm |
large spore capsule diameter favours dissemination of the species and then its capacity to cope with environmental changes |
2–17 |
Sundberg et al. [25] |
| leaf C, N and P content |
mg g−1
|
determinants of Sphagnum litter quality; species with low C, N and P contents will be decomposed more slowly |
36 |
V Jassey, C Signarbieux 2018, unpublished data |
| carbon exchange capacity (CEC) |
µeq g−1
|
CEC determines the capacity of Sphagnum species to acidify the environment and then slow down microbial activities |
5 |
Bengtsson et al. [26] |
| height above water table (HWT) |
mm |
reflect the capacity of species to cope with drying conditions |
6–10 |
Bengtsson et al. [15] |
| productivity |
mgC cm−2 y−1
|
growth in term of production; it reflects the capacity of species to fix and potentially accumulate carbon |
1–60 |
Gunnarsson [28] |
| growth in biomass |
g m−2
|
growth in terms of production per surface; it reflects the capacity of species to fix and potentially accumulate carbon |
6–10 |
Bengtsson et al. [15] |
| growth |
mm |
length increment; species with high growth will fix high rates of CO2
|
|
Bengtsson et al. [15] |
| photosynthetic capacity |
mgC g−1 h−1
|
net rate of CO2 fixation under standard conditions |
5–12 |
Bengtsson et al. [15]; V Jassey, C Signarbieux 2018, unpublished data |
| decomposition rate (mass loss) |
% |
species that decompose slowly (low % mass loss) accumulate peat over time |
6–10 |
Bengtsson et al. [15] |
| phenolics content |
mg g−1
|
recalcitrant compounds and/or anti-microbial compounds that favour accumulation of peat |
5–36 |
Jassey et al. [29]; Bengtsson et al. [26] |
| sphagnan content |
mg g−1
|
recalcitrant compounds and/or anti-microbial compounds that favour accumulation of peat |
5 |
Bengtsson et al. [26] |
| lignin-like phenolics content |
mg g−1
|
recalcitrant compounds that favour accumulation of peat |
5 |
Bengtsson et al. [26] |
