Soil seed bank characteristics in relation to different shrub species in semiarid regions

Abstract

AbstractLittle information is available about the effects of different species of shrubs on the composition of the soil seed bank (SSB) in the semiarid regions. We determined the role of three dominant shrub species on SSB characteristics and evaluated their potential for their possible use in rangeland restoration projects. Fifteen sites, each containing three shrub species (Amygdalus scoparia, Daphne mezereum and Ebenus stellata) and a herbaceous patch (control) in close proximity, were sampled and their SSB density, species richness and diversity at 0–10 cm depth were determined. The results showed that the density of the SSB was highest under A. scoparia and lowest in the control. The highest SSB density of grasses was found under A. scoparia, while the highest SSB density of forbs was found under E. stellata. Species diversity of the SSB was significantly greater under E. stellata than under the other shrubs and control. This study revealed that the extent to which shrubs affected SSB characteristics did not only depend on the presence of shrubs, but also on the species of shrubs. These different roles of different species of shrubs on SSB are advised to be considered in the restoration of degraded areas through the SSB in the semiarid areas. In the case of changing management type from intensive grazing to extensive grazing or non‐grazing, the role of different shrub species in the conservation herbaceous species through their SSB can be different.