INVESTIGADORES
GHERMANDI Luciana
artículos
Título:
Comparison of methods to estimate soil seed banks:
Autor/es:
S. L. GONZALEZ1 AND L. GHERMANDI
Revista:
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY
Editorial:
AKADEMIAI KIADO RT
Referencias:
Lugar: Budapest; Año: 2012 vol. 13 p. 238 - 242
ISSN:
1585-8553
Resumen:
Abstract: There are two main methods for estimating seed density and species composition of soil seed banks: manual seed
extraction and seedling emergence. These methods were used to determine and compare seed density and species composition
in the soil of a natural grassland in Patagonia. Additionally, known amounts of seeds of different sizes from Patagonian grassland
species were mixed with soil to evaluate the efficiency of the seed extraction method, and determine their recovery
percentage. Seed density found in the grassland soil with the extraction method was four times higher than that found with the
seedling emergence method. Through the use of these two methods, there was very little overlap found in species composition.
Small seeds (< 1 mm) were only found with the seedling emergence method, whereas the seeds of species with specific
germination requirements were found with the seed extraction method. Seed recovery of grassland species varied from 2.5%
for smaller seeds (Erophila verna) to 100% for larger seeds (Rumex acetosella) with the seed extraction method. This method
was more effective in detecting seeds of large-seeded species. Discrepancies in seed detection between both methods may be
related to seed dormancy, specific germination requirements, seed size and mass. These two methods are necessary to describe
seed density and seed bank composition.There are two main methods for estimating seed density and species composition of soil seed banks: manual seed
extraction and seedling emergence. These methods were used to determine and compare seed density and species composition
in the soil of a natural grassland in Patagonia. Additionally, known amounts of seeds of different sizes from Patagonian grassland
species were mixed with soil to evaluate the efficiency of the seed extraction method, and determine their recovery
percentage. Seed density found in the grassland soil with the extraction method was four times higher than that found with the
seedling emergence method. Through the use of these two methods, there was very little overlap found in species composition.
Small seeds (< 1 mm) were only found with the seedling emergence method, whereas the seeds of species with specific
germination requirements were found with the seed extraction method. Seed recovery of grassland species varied from 2.5%
for smaller seeds (Erophila verna) to 100% for larger seeds (Rumex acetosella) with the seed extraction method. This method
was more effective in detecting seeds of large-seeded species. Discrepancies in seed detection between both methods may be
related to seed dormancy, specific germination requirements, seed size and mass. These two methods are necessary to describe
seed density and seed bank composition.Erophila verna) to 100% for larger seeds (Rumex acetosella) with the seed extraction method. This method
was more effective in detecting seeds of large-seeded species. Discrepancies in seed detection between both methods may be
related to seed dormancy, specific germination requirements, seed size and mass. These two methods are necessary to describe
seed density and seed bank composition.