Bryophytes and Revegetation of Coal Spoils in Southern Iowa

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Abstract
Strip mining of coal in southern Iowa [USA] has left many scattered areas of coal spoils which provide a type of habitat unique to the region. The occurrence and distribution of 29 mosses and 2 liverworts on spoils of varying age was determined and related to processes of spoil revegetation. A higher percent cover and a greater species diversity of bryophytes was observed on the older spoils which appeared to be correlated with increased vascular plant cover. Dicranella heteromalla (Hedw.) Schimp. and Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid. were found to be common throughout the spoils, whereas all other species were limited to more protected sites, especially on well vegetated, north-facing slopes. Mosses did not appear to colonize areas exposed to severe erosion, but were limited to areas with some protection provided, especially by vascular plants. Several disjunct or highly localized moss populations were found, including 1 new state record [Sphagnum fimbriatum] and 13 new county records [Ditrichum pallidum, Barbula unguiculata, Thuidium recognitum, Amblystegium juratzkanum, A. varium, Brachythecium salebrosum, Entodon cladorrhizans, Polytrichum juniperinum, S. fimbriatum, B. caleareum, Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Porella platyphylla and Aulacomnium palustre].

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