Macrofungi on soil in deciduous forests

Abstract

A survey is given on the macrofungocoenoses of the following Central European deciduous forest community types: Alnion glutinosae, Alno-Padion, Tilio-Acerion, Carpinion betulae, Fagion sylvaticae, Quercion petraeo-pub-escentis, and Quercion robori-petraeae. Characteristic differences of the species composition and of the contribution of litter saprotrophs, humicolous saprotrophs and mycorrhizal fungi to the fungocoenoses are discussed. The ecological and sociological indicative value of macrofungi is demonstrated. Seasonal aspects and mosaic patterns are mentioned. Some comparisons are made with mycocoenoses of coniferous forests and with mycocoenoses of forests in Northern Europe and in the eastern part of North America. 3.1. Introduction Forests are the most appropriate of all natural habitats for studying connections between macrofungi and plant community. However, an intricate structure of forests brings about extreme difficulties in the definition and designation of various fungal groupings occurring within the forest biocoenosis. The role of macrofungi growing on soil! is highly important and significant in the formation of the broad-leaved, deciduous forests. They provide much better conditions for an active breakdown of litter than pure coniferous stands. Litter saprotrophs in a broad-leaved forest are represented by rich popUlations of lignin and cellulose decomposing fleshy fungi, such as I Terrestrial fungi considered in this chapter include biotrophic (mycorrhizal) fungi and saprophytic fungi, growing on humus and litter. W. Winterhojf (ed.), Fungi in Vegetation Science, 49-78.