Determination of soil seed bank and orgainc matter in different range sites of Altadamon locality-South Kordofan State-Sudan

Abstract

The study was conducted in Altadamon locality which was located in South Kordofan state, East Abu Gbiaha town, at the end of rainy season of two seasons, 2015 and 2016. The aim of the study was to estimate soil seed bank and the organic matter in the natural range land so as to use them to develop the proper management plans. Stratified sample was done according to the soil type, divided the range sites into three locations, namely; clay soil range site, Gardoud soil range site and sandy soil range site. About 45 samples were taken systematically a long line transect, 15 soil samples for each site, each samples collected from three soil depth (0–10, 11–20 and 21-30cm), placed in plastic bags. All samples of the same depth were mixed of sub-samples of 250g, washed in water and CaCl 2 solution to extract the live and dead seed. Computer and micro capture device were used to identify the seed species, according to the reference seed. 50 grams of soil were taken from each sample of the different soils collected and put into the cups of porcelain, placed in a furnace at 400° C for 24 hours to burn the organic material. The study found that, the seed bank density decrease with the increase of soil depth and the lowest seed number in sandy soil, also the study found that the organic matter is higher in the clay soil compared to other sites. The study concluded that the soil depth had a significant effect on the number of soil seed bank, and the clay soil range site was better in organic matter content.