Sphagnum moss research reveals key carbon capture mechanism

An international research study published in the journal New Phytologist has identified how Sphagnum mosses in peatlands facilitate carbon sequestration in water-saturated environments. Although peatlands cover only 3% of the Earth's surface, they store nearly one-third of the planet's soil carbon.

Researchers, including contributors from the National Research Council's Institute for Terrestrial, Ecosystem and Environment Research (Cnr-Iret), analyzed 20 Sphagnum species and four laboratory-grown clones. The study established a link between the chemical properties of cellular surfaces and photosynthetic performance. Findings indicate that species with a higher concentration of reactive chemical groups on their cell surfaces demonstrate greater CO2 assimilation.

The research also noted that while photosynthesis was maintained across all studied species under water-saturated conditions, responses varied significantly based on the specific species and pH levels. For instance, Sphagnum palustre L. exhibited particularly stable responses across a wide pH range.