Abstract
ABSTRACT The soil seed bank is an important natural regeneration strategy for plant communities and can determine floristic composition after disturbances. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the seed bank richness and abundance at different soil depths and under different light conditions in a dry forest. Litter and soil samples were collected at depths of 0-5 and 5-10 cm and submitted to two light conditions (light and shady). In total, 1,725 individuals from 85 species and 19 families emerged. Significant differences in richness between soil depths were observed, being greater at 0-5 cm, while abundance was similar. There were no variations in richness or abundance of germinated seeds between light conditions. Malvaceae and Verbenaceae families were the most representative in this study.
Highlights
IntroductionDry tropical forests (dry deciduous forests or matas secas in Brazil) are conditioned by strong climatic seasonality and are mainly characterized by tree formations showing pronounced leaf loss during the dry season (Murphy & Lugo, 1986)
Dry tropical forests are conditioned by strong climatic seasonality and are mainly characterized by tree formations showing pronounced leaf loss during the dry season (Murphy & Lugo, 1986)
The soil seed bank consists of a set of viable seeds that remain in the soil until adequate conditions for their germination are achieved, and adult plants in an environment are replaced (Garwood, 1989)
Summary
Dry tropical forests (dry deciduous forests or matas secas in Brazil) are conditioned by strong climatic seasonality and are mainly characterized by tree formations showing pronounced leaf loss during the dry season (Murphy & Lugo, 1986). The soil seed bank consists of a set of viable (non-germinated or dormant) seeds that remain in the soil (on the surface or buried) until adequate conditions for their germination are achieved, and adult plants in an environment are replaced (Garwood, 1989). It is a fundamental part of the regeneration process of the plant community, determining the vegetation composition in frequently disturbed areas (Luzuriaga et al, 2005). Seeds come from the local community (seed rain) and from neighboring or distant areas brought by dispersing agents (Hall & Swaine, 1980)
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