Local variability in growth and reproduction of Salix arctica in the High Arctic

  • Noémie Boulanger-Lapointe University of British Columbia
  • Esther Lévesque Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
  • Claudia Baittinger National Museum of Denmark
  • Niels M. Schmidt Aarhus University
Keywords: Herbivory, nutrient, plant colonization, vegetation, shrub, water availability

Abstract

Arctic terrestrial ecosystems are heterogeneous because of the strong influences of microtopography, soil moisture and snow accumulation on vegetation distribution. The interaction between local biotic and abiotic factors and global climate patterns will influence species responses to climate change. Salix arctica (Arctic willow) is a structuring species, ubiquitous and widespread, and as such is one of the most important shrub species in the High Arctic. In this study, we measured S. arctica reproductive effort, early establishment, survival and growth in the Zackenberg valley, north-east Greenland. We sampled four plant communities that varied with respect to snow conditions, soil moisture, nutrient content and plant composition. We found large variability in reproductive effort and success with total catkin density ranging from 0.6 to 66 catkins/m2 and seedling density from <1 to 101 seedlings/m2. There were also major differences in crown area increment (4–23 cm2/year) and stem radial growth (40–74 µm/year). The snowbed community, which experienced a recent reduction in snow cover, supported young populations with high reproductive effort, establishment and growth. Soil nutrient content and herbivore activity apparently did not strongly constrain plant reproduction and growth, but competition by Cassiope tetragona and low soil moisture may inhibit performance. Our results show that local environmental factors, such as snow accumulation, have a significant impact on tundra plant response to climate change and will affect the understanding of regional vegetation response to climate change.

Keywords: Herbivory; nutrient; plant colonization; vegetation; shrub; water availability.

(Published: 27 June 2016)

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Citation: Polar Research 2016, 35, 24126, http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/polar.v35.24126

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Author Biographies

Esther Lévesque, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Département des sciences de l'environnement
Claudia Baittinger, National Museum of Denmark
Environmental and Archaeological Science Unit
Niels M. Schmidt, Aarhus University
Department of Bioscience
Published
2016-06-27
How to Cite
Boulanger-Lapointe N., Lévesque E., Baittinger C., & Schmidt N. M. (2016). Local variability in growth and reproduction of <em>Salix arctica</em&gt; in the High Arctic. Polar Research, 35. https://doi.org/10.3402/polar.v35.24126
Section
Research/review articles