Original Article |
2011, Vol.33, No.6, pp. 625-632
Biomass and selected ecological factors of epiphytic bryophyte along altitudinal gradients in Southern Thailand
Sahut Chantanaorrapint and Jan-Peter Frahm
pp. 625 - 632
Abstract
Biomass of epiphytic bryophytes was investigated along three altitudinal transects in southern Thailand: Tarutao National Park (25-700 m), Khao Nan National Park (400-1,300 m), and Khao Luang National Park (400-1,500 m). The dry weight of epiphytic bryophytes per surface area increased from 1.15 g/m2 in the lowland to a maximum 199 g/m2 at the lower montane forests. The estimation of dry weight per hectare increased along transect from 2.4 to 620 kg. The water storing capacity of epiphytic bryophytes was about 1.2 to 2.4 times as dry weight and was generally higher in the lower montane forest (up to 1,500 l/ha) than in the lowland forests. The bark pH of host trees range between 3.19 and 6.84, and show negative correlation with the altitude (r=-0.635, p<0.05). Air temperature gradually decreases with the increasing altitude ca 0.6°C per 100 m elevation.