Classification of Morphogenetic Types of Mossy Litter in Paludine Spruce Forests Based on Humus Content

Abstract

We have classified morphogenetic types of mossy litter by a multivariate statistical analysis of a fractional group of organic-matter composition. Three clusters of mossy litters—peats, peaty, and high-ash peaty— are recognized. This results in 94% prediction. Indicators contribute to discriminants in the following descending order: C: N > cellulose > HA-2 > HA-3 > FA-3 > hemicellulose = FA-1 = HA-1. According to canonical analysis, there were two significant roots in cluster determination. The first segregates mainly the peat cluster from two others. The share of canonical function of the root one is 58% of possible discrimination, mainly due to the weight of cellulose and C: N. Canonical function 2, describing 42% of the explained dispersion, discriminates the peaty cluster from the others due to the dominant contribution of FA-1 and FA-3. The classification function for the recognition of new objects was calculated and evaluated. The humus content of various types and clusters of mossy litters was examined. Morphogenetic classification follows the transformation of forest litter in the course of litter formation (continuum phase), quantitative biochemical discrimination is a discrete phase of this process.