Authors:
Bossuyt, B. and M. Hermy
Publication Date:
2003
Abstract/Summary:
This study aimed at evaluating the potential role of persistent soil seedbanks in restoring grassland and heathland communities in sites that have been afforested or are currently cultivated. To do so, we used the results of 16 case studies and an analysis of the database of Thompson et al. (1997). Generally, there is a decrease in total seed density with increasing age since abandonment or transformation. This decline is much faster for species of calcareous or alluvial grasslands than for heathland and grassheath species. During succession, seeds of target species disappear from the seedbank, owing to seed senescence.
Resource Type:
Peer-reviewed Article
Source:
Belgian Journal of Botany