Specific features of algal communities in forest litter of forest biogeocenoses of the steppe zone

Abstract

We have studied the specific features of the composition of algal groups in forest litters of natural and manmade forest biogeocenoses in the steppe zone. The strongest resemblance is seen between algal groups formed in forest litters with identical compositions of plant debris (leaf or needle). The dominants and the structure of algal groups vary with respect to the season and subhorizon of forest litter, which points to the specificity of the latter as algal habitat. It is characterized by high variability of the thickness and physicochemical properties as a result of biotic and abiotic destruction of plant remains. The needle litter is predominated by Chlorophyta and Xanthophyta (with respect to the species number and abundance) upon the considerable participation of Cyanoprokaryota. When the needle litter is enriched with leaf debris, the species diversity of Cyanoprokaryota increases. The biological diversity of algae in the forest litter is high, and they may play a significant role in the formation of algal communities in soil horizons.