Spatiotemporal characteristics of seed rain and soil seed bank of artificial Caragana korshinskii Kom. forest in the Tengger Desert, China

Vegetation restoration and reconstruction are effective approaches to desertification control and achieving social and economic sustainability in desert areas.However,the self-succession ability of native plants during the later periods of vegetation restoration remains unclear.Therefore,this study was conducted to bridge the knowledge gap by investigating the regeneration dynamics of artificial forest under natural conditions.The information of seed rain and soil seed bank was collected and quantified from an artificial Caragana korshinskii Kom.forest in the Tengger Desert,China.The germination tests were conducted in a laboratory setting.The analysis of species quantity and diversity in seed rain and soil seed bank was conducted to assess the impact of different durations of sand fixation(60,40,and 20 a)on the progress of vegetation restoration and ecological conditions in artificial C.korshinskii forest.The results showed that the top three dominant plant species in seed rain were Echinops gmelinii Turcz.,Eragrostis minor Host.,and Agropyron mongolicum Keng.,and the top three dominant plant species in soil seed bank were E.minor,Chloris virgata Sw.,and E.gmelinii.As restoration period increased,the density of seed rain and soil seed bank increased first and then decreased.While for species richness,as restoration period increased,it gradually increased in seed rain but decreased in soil seed bank.There was a positive correlation between seed rain density and soil seed bank density among all the three restoration periods.The species similarity between seed rain or soil seed bank and aboveground vegetation decreased with the extension of restoration period.The shape of the seeds,specifically those with external appendages such as spines and crown hair,clearly had an effect on their dispersal,then resulting in lower seed density in soil seed bank.In addition,precipitation was a crucial factor in promoting rapid germination,also resulting in lower seed density in soil seed bank.Our findings provide valuable insights for guiding future interventions during the later periods of artificial C.korshinskii forest,such as sowing and restoration efforts using unmanned aerial vehicles.

Soil seed bank is affected by transferred soil thickness and properties in the reclaimed coal mine in the Qilian Mountains, China

Reclamation of lands abandoned after mining in mountain areas is critical to erosion control,safety from landslides,and ecological protection of mountain ecosystems.However,little is known about alpine coal mine reclamation using the soil seed bank as a potential source for revegetation.We collected samples of persistent soil seed bank for germination experiments from nine reclaimed sites with different soil cover thicknesses and from six control sites in the Qilian Mountains of China.Soil properties of each site were determined(including soil water content,soil available potassium,soil available phosphorus,soil total nitrogen,pH,soil organic matter,soil total phosphorus,and soil total potassium,and soil alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen),and the relationships of the characteristics of the soil seed bank with soil cover thickness and soil properties were examined.The results showed that the density,number of species,and diversity of the topsoil seed bank were significantly correlated with soil cover thickness,and all increased with the increment of soil cover thickness.Soil cover thickness controlled the soil seed bank by influencing soil properties.With the increase in soil cover thickness,soil properties(e.g.,soil organic matter,soil total nitrogen,etc.)content increased while soil pH decreased.The soil seed bank had the potential to restored the pre-mining habitat at reclaimed sites with approximately 20-cm soil cover thickness.Soil properties of reclaimed sites were lower than that of natural sites.The relationship between the soil seed bank and soil cover thickness determined in this study provides a foundation for improving reclamation measures used in coal mines,as well as for the management and monitoring of reclaimed areas.

Soil Seed Bank Characteristics of the Mbe and Nguela Shrub Savannas, and Implications for the Reforestation, Republic of Congo

The soil seed bank is an important source of restoration and resilience of disturbed ecosystems. This study evaluates the regeneration potential through the soil seed bank of the shrub savannas of Nguela and Mbe in order to predict the eventual dynamics. Three plots of 0.25 ha subdivided into four sub-plots of 0.015 ha have been installed in each savannah. In total, 48 samples of each savannah, i.e. 96 samples of both savannas, have been taken from the soil layers, 0 - 5 cm, 5 - 10 cm, 10 - 15 cm and 15 - 20 cm. Species diversity and abundance of the soil seed bank have been assessed after germination. The results reveal 167 seedlings belonging to 23 species in the Mbe savannah and 144 seedlings belonging to 14 species in the Nguela savannah. The total densities of the germinated seeds were respectively 463.63 seeds/m2 and 400 seeds/m2. Nevertheless, the 20 cm deep layers have illustrated themselves compared to the superficial layers with densities of 16.29 seeds/m2 and 21.66 seeds/m2, respectively, in the savannas of Mbe and Nguela. Herbaceous species largely dominated, with percentages of 91% and 100%, respectively, in the savannas of Mbe and Nguela. Alone, the Trema orientalis (L.) Blume species has been identified as woody species in the Mbe savannah. The greatest specific richness has been obtained in the first five centimeters of soil, with 21.73% and 28.57% of exclusive species, respectively, in the savannas of Mbe and Nguela. The results reveal that restoration through the soil seed bank would be limited to a single woody species found (T. orientalis). Consequently, the study suggests silvicultural interventions based on planting or enrichment techniques for sustainably managed savannas exposed to anthropogenic disturbances.

Soil Seed Bank of the Marantaceae Forests of Ouesso Forest Industry (IFO), Republic of Congo

The soil seed bank is a key indicator of natural regeneration and/or forests resilience after disturbances. This study evaluates the soil seed bank characteristics in two Marantaceae forests plots of Ouesso Forest Industry (IFO) in north of the Republic of Congo. In each plot, 12 samples were taken per soil layers (0 - 5 cm, 5 - 10 cm, 10 - 15 cm and 15 - 20 cm deep). Diversity and abundance seed were estimated after germination of soil samples. The results revealed 101 seedlings belonging to 17 species for plot 1 and 129 seedlings belonging to 15 species for plot 2. The average densities of germinated seeds were respectively 281 seedling/m2 and 358 seedling/m2. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the mean densities of the two plots. Herbaceous species dominated with percentages of 71% and 73%, respectively in plot 1 and plot 2. Both plots showed potential of regeneration from the soil seed bank. However, this potential seems higher in plot 2. Pioneer taxa were more abundant in the soil seed bank of plot 1 (4 woody pioneer species) than in plot 2 (1 woody pioneer species). The highest species richness was obtained in the first two soil layers (0 - 5 cm and 5 - 10 cm depth) while 25% of species were exclusively found in the deepest layer (15 - 20 cm) in plot 2. The study suggests silvicultural interventions based on planting or enrichment techniques for contribute to sustainable management of Marantaceae forests that could prevent the growth and development of seedlings.

Soil Seed Bank Characteristics in Congolese Rainforests and Implications for Post-Logging Plots Reforestation

The soil seed bank is considered as an important mechanism for the natural regeneration, resilience and conservation of the forests after disturbances. This study evaluates the characteristics of the soil seed bank in two post-logging plots of Loundoungou-Toukoulaka Forest Management Unit: one plot exploited in 2008 and another exploited in 2021. In each study plot, 40 samples were collected per soil layer (0 - 5 cm, 5 - 10 cm, 10 - 15 cm, 15 - 20 cm and 20 - 25 cm depth). The species diversity and abundance of the soil seed bank were estimated after soil samples were brought to germination. The results demonstrated that 347 seedlings belonging to 37 species in the plot exploited in 2008 and 418 seedlings belonging to 27 species in that exploited in 2021 germinated during 20 weeks of monitoring. The total densities of the seedlings identified were respectively 1446 seedlings/m2 and 1742 seedlings/m2. The plot exploited in 2021 presented a higher proportion of herbaceous species (93.78%) compared to that exploited in 2008 (82.71%). Two pioneer species were recorded in the plot exploited in 2008. These are Macaranga barteri (0.29%) in the 0 - 5 cm layer and Musanga cecropioides (2.31%) up to 20 cm deep. On the other hand, in the plot exploited in 2021, Macaranga spinosa (0.96%) in the 0 - 5 cm layer and M. cecropioides (0.96%) up to 20 cm deep were identified. In the plot exploited in 2008, the 20 - 25 cm layer demonstrated important proportions in woody species (9%), these are in particular Rubiaceae sp.4 and Nauclea diderrichii. While that exploited in 2021, presented 19% of woody species, namely the species of Rubiaceae sp.4, Rubiaceae sp.5 and N. diderrichii, greatly exceeding the proportions obtained in the 15 - 20 cm layer of the two plots. Nonetheless, N. diderrichii was the only commercial species recorded with densities of 108 seedlings/m2 and 4 seedlings/m2, respectively in the plot exploited in 2008 and that exploited in 2021. Commercial tree species are poorly represented in the soil seed bank. Consequently, the study suggests that to improve the natural regeneration of the commercial species, silvicultural interventions based on planting techniques in the exploited plots should be more effective in order to sustainably manage these production forests.

Heterogeneity in Soil Seed Banks in a Mediterranean Coastal Sand Dune

Characteristics of total soil seed banks and permanent soil seed banks in three microhabitats in a Mediterranean coastal sand dune were investigated by using natural germination method combined with physically scanning separation method. The composition and structure of soil seed banks were analyzed between the microhabitats by using functional group method. The distribution patterns of soil seed bank were also analyzed between the microhabitats. We also analyzed the relationship between seed size and seed persistence in soil. The results show greatly spatial heterogeneity existed in soil seed bank of the Mediterranean coastal sand dune, even in the same microhabitats seed distribution was uneven. Sometimes a great difference occurred between them. Microhabitats significantly affected the distribution patterns of total soil seed banks and seed banks of the functional groups. The open area generally had the greater densities of seeds, but the seed densities under shrub and in trail were lower than that in the open area. Legumes seeds accounted for 76.0% total persistent seed banks. Annual and perennial grasses produced transient seed banks as no seeds were retrieved from the sieved soils. Seed persistence of legumes, umbeliferaes, perennial forbs, compositaes, annual forbs, crucifer decreased gradually. They were 50.1%, 45.6%, 40.6%, 6.3%, 5.6% and 0.6% respectively in the soil. There was a positive relationship between seed size and seed persistence. Bigger seeds had higher persistence, and vice versa.

Characteristics of Soil Seed Bank and Natural Regenerations in Pinus densata Natural Forest of Southeast Tibet

Pinusdensata is one of the main constructive species for coniferous forests in southeast Tibet. P. densata forests are important water conservation forests in the drainage basins of the middle and lower reaches of Yalu Tsangpo River, Nyang River and Parlung Zangbo River. In this study, with P. densata forest distributed in southeast Tibet as research object, the seed rain, soil seed bank, seed germination and natural regeneration of P. densata were monitored and ana- lyzed by field investigation, located monitoring and indoor experimental analysis. The results showed that the average intensity of the seed rain of P. densata was 249.30±78.42 seeds/m2, in which the intensity of full seeds was 168.09±56.36 seeds/m2, the intensity of seeds damaged by worms was 41.11±20.25 seeds/m2, and the intensity of empty seeds was 40.10±21.04 seeds/m2. The intensity of the seed rain exhibited a single-peak trend of increasing at first and decreasing then over time. The spatial distribution patterns in the whole seed falling process and at different seed falling time all exhibited clumping distribution, and within in certain range, with the distance from the seed tree increasing, the diffusion intensity of the seed rain was weakened, exhibiting approximately normal distribution. In average density of P. densata seeds in the soil seed bank of P. densata was 231 seeds/m2, in which 62.77% of seeds were distributed in the litter layer, and 37.23% of seeds were distributed in the soil layer, and about 8% of seeds were lost during the pro- cess from seed rain to soil seed bank. Field sowing observation showed that the accumulated germination rate curve of P. densata fitted with Logistics equation y= 91.404/（1＋e66194.449）. The height structure, basal diameter structure and age structure of seedlings and young trees of P. densata were all of reverse ＂J＂ type, indicating good natural regeneration of P. densata. This study would provide a science basis for protection and resource management of P. densata, and further enrich the eval- uation content of national ecological safety curtain of the Tibet plateau.

Effect of Different Soak Treatments on Breaking Seed Dormancy in Soil Seed Bank from Different Degraded Grasslands

[Objective] The aim was to study the effect of different soak treatments on breaking seed dormancy in soil seed bank from different degraded grasslands. [Method] Different concentrations of H2SO4,GA3 and KNO3 were used for soaking the seeds in the soil seed bank from different degraded grasslands,and the germination number of seeds was detected. [Result] When the seeds from soil seed bank were soaked with 60%,70%,80% and 90% H2SO4,the germination number of seeds was 0,indicating that the germination of seeds was inhibited; when the seeds were soaked with GA3,the germination number of seeds increased with the concentration of GA3 increasing. When the concentration of GA3 increased to 0.10%,the germination of seeds was inhibited; when the seeds were soaked with 0.2% KNO3,the germination number of seeds was greater than the blank control. [Conclusion] The number of remaining seeds was more in the soil seed banks collected from moderately degraded grassland and heavily degraded grassland; while the number of remaining seeds was small in the soil seed banks collected from lightly degraded grassland and extremely degraded grassland.

Characteristics of soil seed bank in plantation forest in the rocky mountain region of Beijing, China

We investigated characteristics （scales and composition） of soil seed banks at eight study sites in the rocky mountain region of Beijing by seed identification and germination monitoring. We also surveyed the vegetation communities at the eight study sites to explore the role of soil seed banks in vegetation restoration. The storage capacity of soil seed banks at the eight sites ranked from 766.26 to 2461.92 seeds·m？2. A total of 23 plant species were found in soil seed banks, of which 63–80% of seeds were herbs in various soil layers and 60% of seeds were located in the soil layer at 0–5 cm depth. Biodiversity indices indicated clear differences in species diversity of soil seed banks among different plant communities. The species composition of aboveground vegetation showed low similarity with that based on soil seed banks. In the aboveground plant community, the afforestation tree species showed high importance values. The plant species originating from soil seed banks represented natural regeneration, which also showed relatively high importance values. This study suggests that in the rocky mountain region of Beijing the soil seed banks played a key role in the transformation from pure plantation forest to near-natural forest, promoting natural ecological processes, and the role of the seed banks in vegetation restoration was important to the improvement of ecological restoration methods.

Regenerative Role of Soil Seed Banks of Different Successional Stages in A Saline-alkaline Grassland in Northeast China

Soil seed banks can act as a potential seed source for natural revegetation and restoration. However, in a saline-alkaline grassland, it remains unclear how the stages of vegetation succession affect the characteristics of soil seed banks and the potential of soil seed banks of different successional stages for vegetation restoration. In this study, seasonal changes of the soil seed bank, and seed production and dispersal dynamics along degradation successional gradients were investigated in a saline-alkaline grassland in Northeast China, where the dominant grass during the 1960 s, Leymus chinensis was replaced with the secondary successional order of Puccinellia chinampoensis, Chloris virgata, and Suaeda salsa, together with bare patches. It was found that the soil seed bank composition varied according to the changing vegetation and had the highest species richness(7–16) in the climax successional stage, but had a low S?rensen similarity(0.22–0.37) with the aboveground vegetation. There was a high seed density of the soil seed bank(21 062–62 166/m2 in August and December) and also high S?rensen similarity index values(0.47–0.60) in the secondary successional stages of P. chinampoensis, C. virgata, and S. salsa. In bare patches, there were many seeds in the soil seed bank and some seedlings also appeared in the aboveground vegetation, indicating the existence of a persistent soil seed bank. Seed density and species richness differed substantially among the different successional stages, which was related to the reproductive characteristics of the standing plants in vegetation communities. Due to the lack of propagules of perennial species, especially the climax species of L. chinensis, in the soil, the successful restoration of the degraded saline-alkaline grassland was not possible. The study proved that in a degraded saline-alkaline grassland dominated by biennial or annual species, the soil seed bank was important for the revegetation of the current dominant plants, but not for the restoration of the original target species. Therefore, it is necessary to induce seeds or other propagules of the target perennial species.

Characteristics of soil seed banks at different geomorphic positions within the longitudinal sand dunes of the Gurbantunggut Desert, China

Understanding the characteristics of soil seed banks in sand dunes is crucial to stabilize the dune systems and maintain the plant populations in deserts. In this study, we conducted a survey investigation in the field and a seed germination experiment in the laboratory to explore the characteristics of soil seed banks at various geomorphic positions of longitudinal sand dunes in the Gurbantunggut Desert, China. Totally, 17 plant species belonging to 17 genera and 9 families were identified in soil seed banks, and 35 plant species belonging to 34 genera and 17 families were identified in aboveground vegetation. Plant species richness in soil seed banks decreased with increasing soil depth. The highest species richness was presented in the upper slope of the windward slope and the lowest species richness was presented in the base of the windward slope. There was no significant difference in seed density of soil seed banks among the examined seven geomorphic positions. The highest seed density occurred in the lower slope of the leeward slope while the lowest occurred in the crest. Moreover, seed density decreased with increasing soil depth, being the highest in the upper soil layer （0-2 cm）. For both soil seed banks and aboveground vegetation, there was no significant difference in Simpson＇s diversity index among the seven geomorphic positions; however, Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou＇s evenness index showed significant differences among the seven geomorphic positions. Those results showed that although there was no significant difference in seed density of soil seed banks among the seven geomorphic positions, the geomorphic positions significantly affected the species richness, diversity and distribution of soil seed banks. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of soil seed banks at different geomorphic positions of sand dunes is essential to vegetation restoration or reestablishment. Furthermore, the Jaccard＇s similarity coefficients of plant species between soil seed banks and aboveground vegetation at the seven geomorphic positions were low, suggesting that vegetation restoration or reestablishment processes should be promoted through adding seeds to surface layers.

Soil seed banks along elevational gradients in tropical, subtropical and subalpine forests in Yunnan Province, southwest China

Soil seed banks are a vital part of ecosystems and influence community dynamics and regeneration.Although soil seed banks in different habitats have been reported, how soil seed banks vary with elevational gradients in different climatic zones is still unknown. This paper investigates seed density,species composition and nonconstituent species of forest soil seed banks in Yunnan Province, southwest China. Similarity between the soil seed bank and standing vegetation was also examined. We collected soil samples from sites spanning 12 elevations in tropical rain forests, subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests and subalpine coniferous forests, and transported them to a glasshouse for germination trials for species identification. The soil seed banks of tropical and subtropical forests had much higher seed densities and species richness than those of subalpine forests. Seeds of woody species dominated the soil seed banks of tropical and subtropical forests, while herbs dominated those of subalpine forests.The nonconstituent species in the soil seed banks were all herbs and were most abundant in tropical forests, followed by subtropical forests but were completely absent from subalpine forests.

Seed rain and soil seed bank compensatory roles on Nassella tenuis(Phil.)Barkworth seedling recruitment in ungrazed and grazed sites

In semi-arid lands,vegetation is distributed in shrub patches immersed in a less vegetated interpatch matrix.Grazing affects perennial grass seed bank through a decrease in seed rain and an increase in seed predation and soil compaction.Nevertheless,some species with anchorage mechanisms in their seeds might overcome this,such as Nassella tenuis(Phil.)Barkworth.This is an important species in grazing paddocks because it has an intermediate palatability and its relatively tolerant to grazing.These characteristics allow N.tenuis to increase its abundance in grazed sites.Our objective was to assess how grazing affects the key palatable species from seeds to seedlings:i.e.,seed rain,soil seed bank,and seedling recruitment in different microsites along a windward-leeward transect across shrub canopy.We hypothesized that:(1)the negative effects of grazing on N.tenuis fructification are reflected in its seed rain,soil seed bank,and seedling recruitment,especially in interpatches;(2)Nassella tenuis seed rain reduction,soil compaction by cattle in grazed sites,and removal of seeds by wind decrease its soil seed bank,especially in microsites exposed to the predominant wind;and(3)the decrease in N.tenuis soil seed bank and cover increase in annual species in grazed sites have negative effects on its seedling recruitment,especially in microsites exposed to predominant wind.We placed seed traps,collected soil samples,and monitored seedling recruitment in different locations around shrub canopy to address our hypotheses.Also,we established a manipulative experiment in which we sow N.tenuis seeds and followed its recruitment in different microsites.We compared the seed rain,soil seed bank,natural seedling recruitment,and sown seeds recruitment of N.tenuis between grazed and ungrazed sites.We analyzed differences between microsites along a windward-leeward transect across shrubs patches.Seed rain and soil seed bank had the same density in patches and interpatches both in ungrazed and grazed sites.But seed rain was higher,and soil seed bank was lower in ungrazed sites than in grazed sites.Almost all under-canopy microsites showed greater soil seed bank abundance and natural seedling recruitment in ungrazed sites.Sown seeds recruitment was the same between grazed and ungrazed sites,but it showed protective effects of shrubs in leeward microsites under grazed sites.As a conclusion,seed rain and soil seed bank are complementary under grazed sites.

Viability of recalcitrant Araucaria angustifolia seeds in storage and in a soil seed bank

Araucaria angustifolia(Bertol.)Kuntze is a representative species of the Mixed Ombrophilous Forest in the Atlantic Forest Biome of Brazil.The development of a germplasm conservation protocol for long-term seed bank storage is compromised for this species,as it is sensitive to desiccation.Furthermore,in situ establishment of a soil seed bank in its natural habitat may be limited.This study evaluates the storability of two provenances of A.angustifolia seeds and their behavior in an artificial soil seed bank in two forest environments(understory and edge).Results show that both seed provenances may be stored at 5C for approximately 12 months,retaining high viability.The subsequent decrease in germination was associated with a reduction and an increase in seed water content,as well as with increased electrical conductivity.In the understory environment,seed viability was above 85%for the first 60 days,and at the end of the experiment(270 days),seedlings emerged.However,at the forest edge,there was a total loss of seed viability after 120 days associated with a reduction in water content and high predation.It is concluded,therefore,that short-term storage of A.angustifolia seeds is possible in a cold room,which is fundamental to supply seed demand outside the production period.Forest cover conservation is important for regeneration and conservation of the species.

Germination characteristics and diversity of soil seed banks and above-ground vegetation in disturbed and undisturbed oak forests

The destruction of natural ecosystems is an important issue in many parts of the world. In the west of Iran, a vast area of the Zagros Mountain range is covered by typical vegetation including several rare plant species, of which many are currently considered endangered by anthropogenic activities. Despite the important role of soil seed banks to help conserve these degraded plant communities, the floristic studies in the Zagros forests have only focused on aboveground vegetation. In this study, the characteristics of soil seed banks and above-ground vegetation were examined at two forest sites: an undisturbed control(Un) and a disturbed(D) site. The objectives of this study were 1) to investigate the diversity of above-ground vegetation and soil seed banks in disturbed and undisturbed forests, 2) to examine the soil properties and the germination characteristics of the soil seed bank in disturbed and undisturbed oak forests and 3) to estimate the potential of soil seed banks in the restoration of disturbed sites. The results show that soil properties between Un and D sites were significantly different with higher values of pH, NH 4-N, N tot, CEC, OC, clay and canopy percentage in the Un site than in the D site. The Simpson diversity, Margalef richness and evenness indices differed significantly between sites, either for the soil seed banks or the above-ground vegetation. After a period of 26 weeks, the germination speed and the mean daily number of germinants were significantly different between Un and D sites. Without other conservation measures, soil seed banks alone cannot result in a full recovery after severe disturbances in the oak forests of Zagros.

Effects of the grazing systems on germinable soil seed bank of desert steppe

We studied a soil seed bank in the Stipa breviflora desert steppe under three grassland management systems, namely continuous grazing, rotational grazing, and no grazing, from 1999 until 2007. The germinable seed bank species in rotational, continuous and no gazing were 11, 9 and 8 species, respectively. Rotational grazing increased the number of seed bank plant species and perenni- al grasses. The density of germinal soil seed bank was significantly higher in the enclosed area （19,533.33 seeds/m2） than those in rotational （3,233.33 seeds/mz） and continuous grazing areas （2,553.60 seeds/m2）. The vertical distribution of the soil seed bank had a similar trend： 75.06%-83.19% of the seeds are distributed in the top 0-5 cm soil layer, 14.16%-21.68% in the 5-10 cm lay- er, and 2.65%-4.95% in the 10-15 cm layer, which varied between the grazing treatments. Density of the soil seed bank was sig- nificantly higher in the enclosed area, and there was no significant difference between rotational and continuous grazing. The Margalef and Shannon-Wiener indices for the soil seed bank were higher for rotational grazing treatment than for continuous grazing. The Sorensen＇s similarity index for the soil seed bank between the enclosed and rotational grazing areas reached 0.857.

Study of Soil Seed Banks in Antaibao Opencast Mine

A seed germinating method was used to study soil seed banks in dump sites of the Antaibao opencast mine for soil reclamation and ecological rehabilitation. Based on a richness index, a diversity index and an evenness index, the diversity of species of soil seed banks was studied. As well, the progress of vegetation succession in this thoroughly destroyed ecosystem is discussed and the self-renewal ability of the soil seed banks is analyzed. The results indicate that 1） there are 17 plant species belonging to five families with annuals as the dominant species; 2） the soil seed banks at the dump site show great temporal and spatial heterogeneity and 3） the model of Robinia pseudoacacia x Pinus tabulaeformis × Caragana korshinskii in the anaphase is the best among several reclamation models studied. Therefore, with the extension of reclamation time, the correct choice of a reclamation model is quite helpful for the improvement of the self-renewal ability of soil seed banks and for the stability of the ecosystem, which is very important for land reclamation and ecological rehabilitation of the dump sites of the ATB opencast coal mine.

General Survey of Soil Seed Bank in China

Soil seed bank refers to the sum of upper litter decay and all survival seeds in the soil. It plays a unique role in restoring the surface vegetation and protecting biodiversity. Chinese scholars have carried out extensive researches on the soil seed bank,and have obtained considerable achievements. On the basis of reading extensive literature,this paper summarized the current research results and found that the research contents of soil seed bank in China mainly involve the following aspects:( i) research method of soil seed bank;( ii) classification system of soil seed bank;( iii) spatial pattern of soil seed bank;( iv) relationship between soil seed bank and surface vegetation;( v) dynamic characteristic and seedling replanting of soil seed bank;( vi) application of soil seed bank in vegetation restoration. On the basis of the above summary,it came up with existing problems and future research direction of China's soil seed bank from system construction,field observation,disciplinary combination,interference factors,and community succession.

Characteristics of Soil Seed Banks of Typical Plant Communities in Hilly Area of Funiu Mountain

[Objectives]The purpose was to investigate the characteristics of soil seed bank of typical plant communities in hilly area of Funiu Mountain.[Methods]The seed density,number of species and species composition of the soil seed bank of typical plant communities such as Themeda japonica,Imperata cylindrica,Vitex negundo,Quercus acutissima,Robinia pseudoacacia,Platycladus orientalis and Populus canadensis in the surface,top 0-5 and top 5-10 cm soil were studied.[Results]The seed reserves of plant communities at different succession stages were(220.00±95.39)–(2650.00±1064.52)seeds/m2.A total of 48 species were counted in the seed bank,belonging to 45 genera in 22 families.Total 27 species were identified in the above-ground vegetation,belonging to 25 genera in 14 families.In the shallow soil where the seeds gathered,the seed densities of Imperata cylindrica and Themeda japonica were relatively low.The reserves of plant communities with different naturalness degrees were(403.33±64.29)-(2110.00±356.79)seeds/m2.A total of 67 species were counted in the seed bank,belonging to 64 genera in 37 families.A total of 45 species were identified in the above-ground vegetation,belonging to 43 genera in 28 families.In the soil layers of 0-5 and 5-10 cm,the seed density of natural secondary Q.acutissima was higher than those of planted P.canadensis,P.orientalis and R.pseudoacacia.In each soil layer,the species number of natural secondary Q.acutissima forest was slightly smaller than those of planted P.canadensis,P.orientalis and R.pseudoacacia forests.[Conclusions]The seeds in the soil seed bank may not completely come from existing above-ground vegetation.Manual assistance is required for vegetation restoration or reconstruction relying on soil seed bank,to ensure the direction of community succession.

Impact of Cardamom Cultivation on the Composition and Dynamics of Soil Seed Banks in a Conservation Forest in Sri Lanka: Implications for Conservation

Cultivation of cash crops, such as cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) in the forest understorey is a common practice in many tropical forests. Over time, cultivation may change forest structure and species composition, leading to gradual degradation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Effective conservation of these forests requires an enhanced understanding of the demographic processes such as soil seed bank that may greatly influence future forest composition. We examined how the soil seed bank structure and composition responds to cardamom cultivation in a high conservation value Sri Lankan montane rain forest. Soil samples from natural forest with abandoned cardamom plantations (CP) and adjacent natural forest (NF) patches without cardamom were collected in dry and wet seasons. Soil samples were spread out in trays in a shade house and germination was recorded weekly for 19 weeks. The density of seeds in the soil seed bank was much higher in CP than NF. While grasses and forbs contributed the highest number and percentage of seeds in soils of both forest types, their densities in the soil seed bank were 9 and 2 times greater in the CP than the NF, respectively. Seeds of the non-native herbs Ageratina riparia and E. cardamomum were 4 and 20 times greater in the soil of CP, respectively. Seeds of light demanding tree species such as Macaranga indica were restricted to soils of CPs. Overstorey tree community of each forest type was poorly represented in their respective soil seed banks. The high density of seeds of pioneer trees and non-native herbs in the soil of CPs, combined with higher light transmission to the ground floor may exacerbate competition for resources with the seedlings of late successional trees of high conservation value. To overcome this barrier and enhance conservation value of the forest, restoration strategies may need to focus on transplanting seedlings of these species into forest with abandoned cardamom plantations.