This project investigates the influences of forest mosses on soil water retention, the soil structure and CO2 storage. The focus is on the drought resistance of forest stands, the erosion control at disturbance sites, and carbon sequestration, both in moss communities and in associated forest soils. In addition, specific species effects of individual mosses, as well as regional-climatic differences between two sites are investigated. The study sites are located in Baden-Württemberg (Schönbuch Nature Park, stable precipitation: 760 mm/year) and Brandenburg (Linde, falling precipitation: 539 mm/year). The objects of investigation are natural forest moss communities of the two locations, as well as mosses cultivated in sterile culture and restored in the field.
