Comparative Analysis of Soil Algal Flora of the Tundra, Mountain and Boreal Ecosystems of the European Northeast

Abstract

Soil algae is a group of photoautotrophic organisms able to live on the soil surface and in the soil profile. Algae participate in the accumulation of organic compounds and the main biogenic exchange cycles in terrestrial ecosystems. Their importance increases in northern and mountain ecosystems with extreme environments. The aim of our research was to summarize the results of studies into soil algae in tundra, mountain-tundra and boreal ecosystems in the Russian Northeast Europe based on literature and original data. We created a list of soil algae including 695 species from five divisions, 12 classes, 40 orders, 107 families and 245 genera. In tundra ecosystems, 348 species were found, 272 in mountain-tundra and 104 in boreal ecosystems. Taxonomical and eco-geographical analysis of the algal flora was also performed. We revealed the species with high frequencies of occurrence and the prevalent algal complexes in the different nature zones. Cosmopolite species widespread in typical soil or edaphophilic species indifferent to soil acidity were prevalent.