Chin J Plant Ecol ›› 2019, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (5): 396-407.DOI: 10.17521/cjpe.2019.0020

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A review on the process of bryophyte karstification

MENG Wen-Ping1,2,DAI Quan-Hou1,*(),RAN Jing-Cheng3   

  1. 1. College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
    2. Guizhou Botanical Garden, Guiyang 550001, China
    3. Guizhou Wildlife and Forest Plant Management Station, Guiyang 550001, China
  • Received:2019-09-22 Accepted:2019-05-06 Online:2019-05-20 Published:2019-10-18
  • Contact: DAI Quan-Hou
  • Supported by:
    Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41671275);The National Key R&D Program of China(2016YFC0502604);The National Nature Science Foundation of China and the Karst Science Research Center of Guizhou Province(U1812401)

Abstract:

Bryophyte participate in karstification is an important part of biokarst process. Numerous studies on bryophyte karstification provide theoretical and technical foundation for restoration and comprehensive management of bare rock in the rocky desertification area. This article systematically reviewed the process (dissolution and sedimentation), mechanism and interaction relationship between bryophyte karstification and habitats. Bryophyte and its biological crusts emerge physical forces such as expansion, curling, freezing and thawing when they are under alternating wet or dry conditions can destroy rock. In addition, their metabolic secretions and H2CO3 formed by respiration, which react with minerals resulting in destruction of the crystal structure, pyrolysis the minerals, further the rock surface disintegrated and the surface morphology changed, the karst landform and the original soil formed. The driving force of bryophyte karstification closely related to plant functional traits, rock properties and habitat. Studies on biokarst need long-term monitoring and long research period. It is recommended to establish a long-term monitoring sites for strengthening examinations on process, internal mechanisms, and interaction relationship with habitat of bryophyte karstification. At the same time, physiological metabolic processes of bryophytes and the relationship with bryophyte karstification should be emphasized. The environmental adaptability of bryophyte and the maintenance mechanism of biodiversity in karst areas need research attention as well.

Key words: bryophytes, karstification, process, mechanism, habitat, interaction mechanism