Vegetation regeneration in minerotropic rich peatlands burned between 2011 and 2016 in the Northwest Territories

Bryophyte regeneration after disturbance has been studied in multiple different ecosystems (e.g.: forests after cutting, borrow pits, peatlands). The comprehension of regeneration mechanisms is necessary as we consider the importance of bryophytes in the structuration of forested ecosystems and peatlands. Improved knowledge on those mechanisms are essential to develop management and restoration methods. The study of plant interactions with their environment aims to precisely understand these mechanisms better. Facilitation is related to the interaction between species, where at least one benefits from this relationship. Facilitation by nursing plants is often considered as a process affecting the survival and growth of different plants in harsh environment. So, where bryophyte regeneration is compromised by the adverse conditions of the environment, nursing plants could help minimize these effects and could be used when restoring disturbed ecosystems. Until now, bryophyte regeneration has been studied in one main type of peatlands, ombrotropic poor peatlands. However, there is an increasing need for restoring minerotrophic rich peatlands. Unfortunately, methods used to restore poor peatlands are not adapted to rich peatlands, so there is a need to improve knowledge about regeneration mechanisms in rich peatlands. The main purpose of this project is to evaluate the effects of facilitation relationships on the regeneration of bryophytes in burned rich peatlands.