Soil Ecology of a Lichen Heath at Spitsbergen, Svalbard: Effects of Artificial Removal of the Lichen Plant Cover

Abstract

The Norwegian MAB project conducted research on the possible effects of overgrazing in winter pastures of the Spitsbergen reindeer (R. tarandus playtyrhyncus, Vrolik). In a 25- m2 area of a lichen heath at Svalbard, (79 degrees N, 12 degrees E), the lichen plant cover was artificially removed. This was done to simulate the effects of heavy grazing, resulting in the disappearance of the lichens. The experiment resulted in a significant decrease in total soil respiration. A corresponding effect was found on the population development of the Collembola species Hypogastrura tullbergi (Schaffer). This species may, therefore, be a good indicator as to the long-term effects on soil microflora. It is also shown that the population development of the different Collembola species is not regulated through Aranea predation. The removal of the lichen plant cover did effect a decrease in the soil content of organic matter and macronutrients.