ABSTRACT:
Although sphagnum moss has been harvested for horticultural use from peatlands in North America for many years, little is known about the recovery potential of disturbed areas. Moss regrowth was measured at a winter harvest site in east central Minnesota where little of the underlying, frozen peat was removed. The recovery of an active sphagnum layer after 5 years of regrowth yielded 7.63± 3.74 t/ha. Twenty years would be needed for 90 percent recovery of the 72 t/ha present before harvest. A 20-year harvest cycle would appear to maximize yields.
Footnotes
Arthur E. Elling is a hydrologic technician and M. Dean Knighton is a plant ecologist at the North Central Forest Experiment Station. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1831 Highway 169 East, Grand Rapids, Minnesota 55744.
- Copyright 1984 by the Soil and Water Conservation Society
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