Soil rock content influences the maximum seedling emergence depth of a dominant arid zone grass

Abstract

We aimed to understand the influence of differing soil rock content on seedling emergence of a dominant arid zone grass critical to mine restoration (Triodia pungens R.Br.). We assessed whether emergence mortality resulting from seedlings failing to navigate rocky soils contributes meaningfully to failed recruitment and the maximum emergence depth. Cleaned seeds and florets (the natural dispersal unit) were buried at discrete depths of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 mm in three soil-rock matrices of varying rock content (soil sieved to 20 mm) buried seeds is likely restricted by rocks imposing a physical barrier to recruitment.