Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Soil seed banks'

[Truncated abstract] Weeds are a major limitation to agricultural and horticultural production and the main method of control is the use of herbicides. In addition to the resulting chemical pollution of the environment, the wide spread and continues use of herbicides have resulted in many weeds developing resistance to commonly used herbicides. This study investigated the potential of using green manures as a cultural method of control of weed invasion in agricultural fields. To understand the general mechanisms involved in the suppression of seed germination in green manure amended soils, seeds of crop species with little or no dormancy requirements were used in certain studies. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and cress (Lepidium sativum) seeds were sown to a sandy soil amended with green manures of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius), Brassica juncea, or oats (Avena sativa) to determine if the amendments affected seed germination and/or decay. It was hypothesised that the addition of plant material would increase the microbial activity of the soil thereby increasing seed decay, under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Initial experiments used lettuce, cress and lupin seeds. Lettuce and cress are commonly used as standard test species for seed viability studies. Subsequent experiments used seeds of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum), silver grass (Vulpia bromoides), wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) and wild oat (Avena fatua) as these weed species are commonly found throughout agricultural regions in Western Australia. Amending the soil with lupin or Brassica green manure was established as treatments capable of developing environments suppressive to seed germination. Lupin residues as green manure showed the strongest inhibition of seed germination and seed decay. The decay of certain seeds was enhanced with changes to soil microbial activity, dissolved organic carbon and carbon and nitrogen amounts in lupin amended soil. Seeds of weed species were decayed in lupin amended soil, but showed varied degree of decay. Annual ryegrass and silver grass were severely decayed and wild oat and wild radish were less decayed, in lupin amended soil.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004.
(tm) after EM in title is for Trademark symbol. Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 120-142). Also available on the Internet.

Fire is a recurrent disturbance that removes above ground vegetation in many locations throughout the world, including the Sydney region. Many species in fire-prone locations, and most species in the Sydney region, form soil seedbanks and regenerate through post-fire germination. However, a germination response is determined by the fire regime acting as a selective pressure over a sufficient period of time, rather than a single fire. The components of the fire-regime are intensity, season, type and frequency. The natural fire regime is dominated by warm-season fire, but management burning is conducted in cooler seasons. Cool season burning produces lower levels of germination than warm season fires in a number of locations with Mediterranean-type climate, but the effects of cool season burning on species composition in the relatively aseasonal Sydney region is unknown. An experimental approach was adopted to address this lack of knowledge. Fire can be simulated using heat shock and smoke (fire cues), and the seasonal factors of temperature and water availability can be reproduced in the laboratory. I have investigated the effect of various combinations of heat shock and smoke, of various pre-and post-fire cue temperatures, of prefire cue hydration status, of various post-fire cue water availabilities, and of accelerated aging before application of fire cues on germination of a number of species forming soil seedbanks in the Sydney region. A degree of primary dormancy was overcome in most species by the combination of heat shock and smoke in the current investigation. Fire intensity is expected to influence germination, as germination of most species was increased by the combination of heat shock and smoke within a narrow heat shock range.The interaction between ambient temperature and the level of heat shock may affect germination. Soil water content, and thus seed moisture content at the time of a fire may interact with the level of heat shock to affect both germination and survival of a seed. The age of a seed may also affect its germination response to fire. The above factors are predicted to affect the germination of species differently, and thus season of fire is expected to alter species composition. Such predictions can be readily field-tested
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Current knowledge about processes that generate long-distance dispersal of plants is still limited despite its importance for persistence of populations and colonization of new potential habitats. Today wild large mammals are presumed to be important vectors for long-distance transport of diaspores within and between European temperate forest patches, and in particular wild boars recently came into focus. Here we use a specific habit of wild boar, i.e. wallowing in mud and subsequent rubbing against trees, to evaluate epizoic dispersal of vascular plant diaspores. We present soil seed bank data from 27 rubbing trees versus 27 control trees from seven forest areas in Germany. The mean number of viable seeds and the plant species number were higher in soil samples near rubbing trees compared with control trees. Ten of the 20 most frequent species were more frequent, and many species exclusively appeared in the soil samples near rubbing trees. The large number of plant species and seeds – approximated > 1000 per tree – in the soils near rubbing trees is difficult to explain unless the majority were dispersed by wild boar. Hooked and bristly diaspores, i.e. those adapted to epizoochory, were more frequent, above that many species with unspecialised diaspores occurred exclusively near rubbing trees. Different to plant species closely tied to forest species which occur both in forest and open vegetation, and non-forest species were more frequent near rubbing trees compared with controls. These findings are consistent with previous studies on diaspore loads in the coats and hooves of shot wild boars. However, our method allows to identify the transport of diaspores from the open landscape into forest stands where they might especially emerge after disturbance, and a clustered distribution of epizoochorically dispersed seeds. Moreover, accumulation of seeds of wetness indicators near rubbing trees demonstrates directed dispersal of plant species inhabiting wet places between remote wallows.
Das aktuelle Wissen über Prozesse, die zur Fernausbreitung von Pflanzen führen, ist trotz ihrer Bedeutung für das Überleben von Populationen und die Besiedlung neuer potenzieller Habitate noch immer sehr begrenzt. Wildlebende Großsäuger sind heutzutage vermutlich wichtige Vektoren für den Ferntransport von Diasporen innerhalb und zwischen den einzelnen Waldflächen in Mitteleuropa, und speziell das Wildschwein (Sus scrofa L.) spielt dabei offenbar eine herausragende Rolle. Wir nutzen hier ein spezifisches Verhalten des Wildschweins – Suhlen im Schlamm und nachfolgendes Scheuern an sogenannten Malbäumen – um die epizoochore Ausbreitung von Gefäßpflanzen-Diasporen einzuschätzen. Dargestellt werden die Ergebnisse von Samenbank-Untersuchungen von 27 Malbäumen im Vergleich zu 27 Kontrollbäumen aus sieben Waldgebieten in Deutschland. Sowohl die mittlere Zahl lebensfähiger Samen als auch die Artenzahl waren höher in Bodenproben neben Malbäumen. Zehn der 20 in der Samenbank verbreitetsten Pflanzenarten hatten hier ihren Schwerpunkt, und viele Arten kamen ausschließlich in den neben Malbäumen gewonnenen Proben vor. Die große Zahl von Pflanzenarten und Samen – zumindest > 1000 pro Baum – im Boden an Malbäumen lässt sich nur durch die Aktivität der Wildschweine erklären. Mit Haken oder Borsten ausgestattete, d.h. an Epizoochorie angepasste Diasporen waren häufiger, aber auch viele Arten mit unspezialisierten Diasporen kamen ausschließlich in der Samenbank bei Malbäumen vor. Anders als weitgehend an Wald gebundene Pflanzenarten waren solche, die sowohl im Wald und im Offenland vorkommen, sowie nicht im Wald vorkommende Arten häufiger neben Malbäumen als neben Kontrollbäumen. Diese Befunde stimmen mit denen früherer Untersuchungen von Diasporenladungen im Fell und in den Hufen geschossener Wildschweine überein. Unsere Methode erlaubt darüber hinaus aber die Identifizierung des Diasporentransports aus dem Offenland in die Waldbestände, wo sie insbesondere nach Störungen keimen dürften, sowie einer ungleichmäßigen Verteilung epizoochor ausgebreiteter Diasporen. Außerdem zeigt die Akkumulation von Samen von Nässezeigern neben den Malbäumen eine gezielte Ausbreitung nasse Standorte bewohnender Pflanzenarten zwischen entfernt gelegenen Suhlen.

The aim of this thesis is to contribute to the understanding of how the response of communities (above and below ground) to environment degradation are reflected in seed banks and, how this knowledge can be used to suggest improved application of ecological restoration processes. Two study areas were selected, one at Buxton Climate Change Impacts Laboratory, a site near Buxton, and the other at Wardlow Hay-Cop, in Cressbrook Dale National Nature Reserve, both located in the Derbyshire, UK. This study is organized in the following four sections. I. Chapter 11 examines the impact of the long-term management and changes in precipitation on calcareous grassland seed banks. More than two decades of dereliction have had the largest effects followed by the effects of more than ten years of summer drought. Both changed species composition and, declined seed abundance. In addition, species richness decreased in dereliction. 3. Chapter III investigates the effects of the long-term nitrogen deposition on acid grassland seed banks. More than one decade of N deposition caused shifts in species composition. decrease richness, seed density and. the abundance of functional groups. Moreover, seed bank populations were unable to recover after more than 4 years of ceasing N deposition. 4. Chapter IV explores the effects of soil pH on seed persistence. Seed density, grasses seed abundance the probability that Hypericum pulchrum seeds persist declined as soil pH increased. 5. Chapter V investigates the extent to which the intraspecific trait variation in the same community differs between the components of mature plant population and seed bank, arising from a possible trade-off between investment in seed banks and vegetative growth. Seed bank were not representative of mature plant population. Overall, larger individuals invested more in sexual reproduction than the smaller and, per unit of total biornass, seed- originating individuals invested more in vegetative than in reproductive traits. Therefore, there is no evidence of the potential trade-off between investment in seed banks (via seed production) and vegetative growth in the calcareous grassland species at Buxton. We concluded that the potential of seed banks to assist the restoration is lower in calcareous than acid grass lands. Moreover, the relevance of seed banks is lower in those affected by dereliction and summer drought and, in acid grass lands affected by N deposition the potential is very limited. In addition, the genetic diversity of calcareous grassland species cannot be recovered by using seed banks. Therefore, the recovery of seed banks and above-ground vegetation should be integrated together into restoration programmes.

Includes bibliographies.
The unique vegetation in the lowlands of the fynbos biome is threatened by alien Acacia encroachment. The seed bank dynamics of the two most widespread invaders in the region, Acacia saligma and A. cyclops, was studied to elucidate those factors contributing most to their invasive success. This information was then used to assist in developing optimal control methods. On the basis of information available prior to this study, it was predicted that both species would have large, persistent seed banks in the so.il, and that seed bank processes would provide the - key to invasive success: namely, high seed longevity and heat-stimulated germination. Seed banks were monitored for several years following clearing of the parent stand, using either sites sampled in an earlier study, or sites providing chronosequences of clearing dates. Concurrently, a demographic study of the species' seed banks, including processes from seed rain through to seedling emergence and survival, was done in dense Acacia stands and in fynbos vegetation. Acacia saligma seed banks conformed to predictions, being large and persistent owing to high percentage viability and water-impermeable dormancy. Seed banks accumulate rapidly under dense stands and are "disturbance-coupled" as they have potentially high longevity unless stimulated to germinate by fire. Although A. cyclops seed banks also may be large and long-lived, they display variable percentage viability and dormancy, with the majority of a seed cohort surviving less than a year. Acacia cyclops seed banks do not respond to heat treatment and appear to be "disturbance-uncoupled".

Thesis (MScConsEcol(Conservation Ecology and Entomology)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
Riparian areas are highly complex systems with varying levels of disturbance that are highly susceptible to invasion by alien plants. Once invaded, riparian areas play a major role in the dispersal and spread of invasive alien plants (IAPs) through the river system and, in some cases, to neighbouring landscapes. Riparian areas have therefore been prioritized by many alien clearing initiatives in South Africa. Current practice for the restoration of cleared areas is minimal and relies mainly on the un-aided recovery of native species from residual individuals and soil stored seed banks. Little research, however, has been done on the effectiveness of this approach or the extent to which riparian seed banks contribute towards community restoration. This study is part of a national research initiative (Targets for Ecosystem Repair in Riparian Ecosystems in Fynbos, Grassland and Savanna Biomes) funded by Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, in collaboration with Working for Water, The Centre for Invasion Biology and the Universities of Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Rhodes and Witwatersrand. The initiative undertook to investigate different restoration techniques on various invaded sites for their cost-effectiveness, efficiency, practicality and conservation integrity. This study has three aims. The first is to determine the composition of seed banks in un-invaded riparian areas within the fynbos biome to be used as a benchmark for future research, restoration grading and other management requirements. The second aim is to determine the composition of seed banks in heavily invaded riparian areas, and thus to assess the impact of invasion on the integrity of the seed banks. The third aim is to evaluate the restoration potential of riparian seed banks following the clearing of invasive alien plants (IAPs). Study sites were selected within four river systems in the south-western part of the Western Cape Province in South Africa: the Berg, Eerste, Molenaars and Wit Rivers. Plots were selected in both invaded (>75% IAP canopy cover; considered “closed” alien stands) and un-invaded (also termed reference, with <25% IAP canopy cover) sections of the river. Replicate plots were established along varying gradients of elevation (mountain stream and foothill) and moisture regimes (dry, wet and transitional bank zones). Soil samples were collected together with above-ground vegetation surveys and comparisons were made. Results from this study confirm those of previous studies that seed banks offer little reference to current aboveground vegetation, but rather offer insight into past vegetation history as well as future vegetation assemblages. Worldwide, many of the species that characteristically form seed banks are early successional species. A community study was done for the seed bank based on the species that germinated and were identifiable at termination of the project (6 months after initiation). Three clusters of species could be identified. One group comprised 32 generalist species that occurred in both reference and invaded sections of the rivers. A second group comprised 39 species associated with invaded sites, and a third group of 40 species that was associated with reference sites. A few sub-community groups were found within both the “reference” and “invaded” community groups which were assumed to be habitat specific. Most species were “pioneer” or relatively-short lived, early-successional species which play a vital role in the initial post-disturbance vegetation cover, and facilitate establishment of later successional species. Seed banks are notoriously variable over space and time, and floristic representation is often biased as a result of differences among species in seed production, dispersal and longevity in the soil. The general consensus is that seeds have an irregular, clustered spatial distribution that is dictated by both biological and environmental factors. Within river systems, the irregular clustering can be exceptionally skewed with the influence of pockets of high sediment deposition along the bank. Environmental factors that were found to significantly skew germination results were the presence of fire, as well as the extent and intensity of invasion (duration and cover). The high level of diversity and abundance in reference Berg River mountain stream seed banks was perceived to be a direct result of a moderate fire frequency (between 8-15 years) and the relatively natural state of the vegetation (i.e. very little invasion). Also, diversity and richness of indigenous species from the Wit and Molenaars Rivers were substantially higher in the invaded samples than the reference samples, probably because both river systems have a long history of invasion and other anthropogenic disturbances which would have an effect on the samples from “reference” sections (i.e. even a 25% presence of IAPs seems adequate enough to alter the composition of the seed bank). Correspondence analyses showed that species had clear affinities towards different levels of “key” riparian environmental variables (fire, invasion and anthropogenic disturbance). Most species were associated with moderate levels of fire frequency, invasion history, and anthropogenic disturbance. Comparisons of seed bank species assemblages between the lateral and longitudinal variables of the rivers offered insights into the habitat requirements of certain fynbos and riparian species. Most significant were the results from bank zone comparisons which showed distinct species groupings along the different moisture bands. As could be expected, riparian species were best represented within the wet bank zones and fynbos species within the dry bank zone, while species characteristic of both zones occurred in the transitional zone, making this seed bank zone the richest in species. Mountain stream sections were richer and more diverse than foothill sections over both invaded and reference samples. This is hypothesised to be linked to lower levels of anthropogenic disturbance experienced in the mountain stream sections. The impact of invasion on the riparian seed bank was most clearly shown through the correspondence analyses for the 20 most frequently occurring species. The seed bank assembly patterns were clearly defined by the state of the river (reference or invaded). Interestingly, this pattern was evident at all three spatial scales; landscape (rivers), reach (mountain stream and foothill sections) and habitat (dry, wet and transitional zones). The reference seed bank assemblage was more tightly grouped, implying that the species were more closely associated with each other and less variable than those of the invaded seed bank assemblages. The species groupings within the invaded seed banks were influenced by variables such as reach and zone, whereas the reference seed bank assemblages seem relatively unaffected by these variables. This implies that the presence of invasive alien plants creates additional variation within the seed bank which alters the natural groupings. At a broad scale, the invaded seed banks were less species rich. This means that not only will the resulting seedling community be harder to predict, but it will also have fewer species. However although generally lower in species richness, the seed banks from almost all invaded rivers interestingly showed a higher diversity of indigenous species than their reference counterparts. This is very promising in terms of rehabilitation of post-cleared riparian sites, but more information is needed to understand the seed bank composition and determine how sustainable the seed banks are for rehabilitation in the long-term. All invaded sections had fewer herbaceous perennial species but more herbaceous annual species. Graminoids made up 50% or more of the seed bank regardless of state (reference or invaded), while woody species (shrubs/shrublets) were generally more prevalent in the reference samples. These results imply that following the removal of invasive alien plants, the vegetation to regenerate from the seed bank is likely to comprise of short-lived, herbaceous species that are not necessarily an accurate reflection of the indigenous riparian community. It is however important to note that this study investigated only the species that were able to germinate over the study period (6 month germination period). Many riparian species may not have been represented because they are either late germinators or may not be present in the soil seed bank at all. In order to gain a holistic understanding of riparian community recruitment, it is recommended that seed bank studies such as this one be included in a more broad scale, long term investigation which takes into account various reproductive strategies used by riparian species. Research of this nature is in its infancy worldwide and there are many challenges involved in measuring diversity and change in these systems. However, within the scope of this study, I suggest that these results shed light on previously unanswered and important questions regarding the ecology of seed banks in the riparian ecosystems of the Western Cape.

Studies of seed dynamics and seedling establishment at the community level in savanna ecosystems are scant, particularly in the tropical savannas of Central Brazil. The Brazilian savannas (cerrado) have the largest diversity of plant species among Neotropical savannas. Cerrado vegetation exhibits consistent changes in tree density and tree size along shallow topographic gradients. Vegetation types differ from closed savannas with high tree density, and a nearly continuous canopy cover in the uppermost portions, to open savannas with scattered short trees in the low portions of the topographic gradients. Whether or not dynamics of seeds and seedlings of woody species are consistent with variations in tree density and tree canopy cover across the cerrado landscape has not been determined, but could potentially influence such spatial patterns of tree density and canopy cover. The main objective of this study was to evaluate seed dynamics (i.e., seed rain, soil seed banks, and seed characteristics) and seedling establishment of woody species in three major cerrado vegetation types (closed, intermediate and open savannas) which differ in tree canopy cover and tree height. These vegetation types are located along topographic gradients of approximately 30 m in elevation and 1000 m in length. I conducted field work from June 2005 to August 2008 at the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) reserve, a field experimental station located 35 Km south of Brasilia, Brazil (15˚ 56' S, 47˚ 63' W, altitude 1100 m). I established permanent plots in each of the three vegetation types to assess seed rain, seed limitation, seed predation, and seed removal. I also quantified density and composition of the soil seed bank in each vegetation type and studied seed characteristics (i.e., kind of dormancy, moisture content, longevity) of 14 common cerrado woody species. In the field, I quantified establishment of woody seedlings in fire-protected savannas as well as in accidentally burned and frequently burned savannas. In the greenhouse I performed experiments to evaluate the effect of litter cover and light level on seedling emergence of 9 common cerrado woody species. Finally, I evaluated the effect of pulses of heat on seed germination of 5 common cerrado woody species under controlled conditions. The overall results of this study show that regardless of tree canopy cover, cerrado vegetation types are limited in seeds and seedlings of woody species, but these limitations are higher in open than in closed savannas. Most woody species do not form persistent soil seed banks along cerrado vegetation types because their seeds are short-lived, predated and quickly removed from the ground. In addition, dispersal season and dormancy appear to control timing of germination at the onset of the rainy season to ensure survival of seedlings in the field. In the absence of fire, establishment of woody seedlings is higher in closed than in open savannas because canopy cover mitigates the stressful environmental conditions of open savannas and thus facilitates establishment of woody seedlings. As a result, closed savannas are likely to maintain higher density of woody elements over time than open savannas. In burned savannas, however, species composition of woody and herbaceous seedlings is significantly affected because establishment of seedlings of woody and herbaceous species decreases but vegetative reproduction increases. This dissertation study indicates that interactions of early life-history stages of woody species with environmental and disturbance factors appear to play a more significant role in maintaining woody cover variations along cerrado topographic gradients than previously recognized.

Thesis (MScAgric (Conservation Ecology and Entomology)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
Within the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), Western Cape, South Africa, various management practices have been undertaken in the removal of alien vegetation. While considerable success in the control of alien plants is evident from the removal of standing plants, it is not known if this effort has actually made any long-term difference in the effort to eliminate alien vegetation from the TMNP. This is because no coordinated effort has been made to assess the extent of the alien seed bank, nor the effect that clearing (including the use of fire) has on this seed store. This study investigates the extent of pre- and post-fire Acacia saligna seed banks under differing stand ages, differing clearing techniques and different habitats in the Cape Peninsula National Park. Firstly, the focus is on two alien plant management techniques: The first technique involves clearing and stacking of biomass for burning during winter (stack burn technique), the second technique involves burning of standing alien plants (standing/block burn technique) to decrease heat release at the surface. Secondly, the extent of Acacia species seed banks along the Silvermine River is also investigated with the aim of determining the extent of alien seed stores in this habitat and therefore the long-term restoration potential of the riparian corridor. The primary question addressed in the first study is: “Under what clearing technique will most of the alien seed bank be reduced?” The secondary question reads: “Is seed bank density and distribution directly related to age of dense infestation of the alien vegetation stand and habitat?” The primary question addressed in the second study is: “What is the vertical, lateral and longitudinal distribution and density of Acacia species seed banks along the Silvermine River?” The secondary question reads: “Is seed density and distribution influenced by above ground density of alien vegetation?” In both riparian and terrestrial systems, alien soil seed banks accumulate in high densities where aboveground alien Acacia vegetation is dense. Most of the seed occurs in the upper soil layer, but seed density decreases with depth with an exception of a high seed density at a low depth in one of the samples in the riparian system. Intense fires are most effective in reducing seed stores and removing aboveground alien vegetation in both riparian and terrestrial fynbos systems. After burns, both stack and stand burns have shown a significant decrease in seed density especially in the upper layers but there is still much seed that remained in the matrix area between stacks. The cooler winter burns resulted in less destructive, lower temperatures that aided higher seedling recruitment. Mature stands of Acacia saligna tend to have greater seed stores than immature stands and habitats with deep colluvial soils have a greater density and also greater vertical distribution of seeds. The vertical distribution of the riparian system differed from the fynbos terrestrial system in that seeds were found down to lower depths. Along the river, seed density also increased laterally with more seeds occurring in the terrrestrial sections than in the channel. Seed density increased with longitudinal distribution with more seeds occurring at the sites in the lower catchment than upper catchment. Managers should be aware that fire is needed to reduce the seed bank in both riparian and terrestrial fynbos systems. The cooler winter stack burns is the best option as it results in less destructive, lower temperatures that aids higher seedling recruitment. It is important to know the site history as age of dense infestation, number of fires and geology of site could influence seed bank density. In riparian systems the vertical distribution of seed is deeper than in the fynbos area. In order for clearing to be effective it is imperative that follow-up takes place and should be done prior to flowering to stop reseeding.

Small and isolated plant populations have a higher probability of extinction – they are more susceptible to a range of environmental, demographic and genetic processes that may reduce population viability. In recent times, the number of populations and species that are susceptible to these processes has increased as a result of world-wide, human-induced habitat fragmentation. Habitat fragmentation typically reduces the formerly more continuous natural distribution of a species to a series of smaller and more isolated populations that occur in smaller and more isolated habitat patches. Such populations are often exposed to a range of additional processes that may threaten their viability, such as changes to disturbance regimes, environmental conditions and interactions with other species. However, our current understanding of the complex effects and interactions of these processes is poor. Species responses vary widely, studies are biased towards trees, herbs and self-incompatible species, and most studies investigate only one or two processes that may affect viability. Consequently, we are unable to make accurate predictions about the likely impacts of habitat fragmentation on population and species viability. I tested several hypotheses about the impact of habitat fragmentation, small population size, and population isolation on populations of two Grevillea species (Proteaceae) that occur in the Sydney region of New South Wales, Australia. These species provided an opportunity to investigate some of the ecological and genetic consequences of small population size and isolation, and to contrast them between a species for which the small size and isolation of its populations is the natural state (G. longifolia) and one for which it arose recently due to severe habitat fragmentation (G. caleyi). This comparative approach is important in identifying the processes involved in reducing population and species viability. The species share many aspects of their biology and ecology. Both are large, perennial shrubs that are self-compatible and naturally bird-pollinated. They are fire-sensitive and regenerate post-fire by mass germination from a long-lived, soil-stored seed bank. Both species consist of populations that vary dramatically in size and degree of isolation. I used microsatellite and AFLP markers to investigate aspects of the population genetics and mating system of these species, with the primary focus on G. caleyi. Both species showed a surprisingly large amount of genetic structuring among populations, although G. caleyi populations showed more structuring (FST = 0.46) than those of G. longifolia (FST = 0.33), despite being distributed over a much smaller area. In addition, for G. caleyi, most (63%) of the structuring was due to differences among recently-fragmented populations. By examining fine scale genetic structure within existing large populations, I determined that this was probably due to historic genetic structuring within formerly larger, more continuous populations. This has probably arisen due to both a lack of gene flow (no seed dispersal and limited pollen dispersal) and a large amount of inbreeding. Indeed, adult fixation indices were very high in G. caleyi (average f = 0.40, f > 0 in 16/18 populations). For both species, genetic diversity was not strongly correlated with population size. Genetic diversity was significantly lower in more isolated populations of G. caleyi, but this was probably due to a historic lack of gene flow to the more isolated parts of the species’ natural range, rather than to recent fragmentation. Levels of inbreeding (fixation indices) among adult plants did not vary with population size or isolation for either species. However, by genotyping fresh seeds from a range of small and large G. caleyi populations, I revealed that current outcrossing rates were much lower in small populations (t = 0.18 cf. 0.37). Observations of pollinator foraging indicated that this might be due to a very low visitation rate by birds and by a less diverse suite of species, resulting in a higher proportion of self-fertilisation. In contrast, even very small G. longifolia populations received many bird visits. In addition, G. caleyi plants in small populations were much smaller, had higher mortality, and produced fewer inflorescences and fruits, while this pattern was not apparent among G. longifolia populations. The contrast among the species in pollinator visits, plant vigour and reproduction may have been due to edge effects combined with the habitat degradation that was apparent at sites containing small G. caleyi populations. Small populations were typically found within very small and disturbed bush remnants, while small G. longifolia populations all occurred in relatively pristine habitat. Therefore, habitat quality rather than population size per se may be the most important factor that determines the mating system, plant vigour and fecundity in G. caleyi. The lack of obvious impacts of habitat fragmentation on the genetic haracteristics of adult G. caleyi plants may have been due to the soil-stored seed bank, which can contain seeds produced by at least two adult generations. Various authors have hypothesised that a persistent seed bank has the potential to reduce the rate of genetic change in a population. The seed banks of both G. caleyi and G. longifolia do appear to have this ability. I found that the seed bank of each species maintains the genetic characteristics of populations and stores genetic diversity and alleles that were not expressed in the extant adult plants. Nevertheless, the seed bank also showed greater spatial structuring than adults, which indicates that genetic changes may be occurring within these small populations despite the buffering power of the seed bank. Finally, I investigated some aspects of the ecology of G. caleyi and G. longifolia seed banks, with the aim of increasing our understanding of this important conservation resource. Soil sieving revealed that the seeds of both pecies occur at very low densities beneath adult plants (1 – 6 m-2), were vastly outnumbered by seed fragments, and were not found away from adult canopies. This supports previous evidence that indicated a lack of seed dispersal and very high rates of post-dispersal seed predation, which will restrict population size and extent. To some degree, the seed bank may buffer demographic changes that affected the previous adult generation – monitoring of post-fire seedling emergence revealed that population size typically increased, often dramatically, after a fire. Germination experiments showed that smoke elicited the greatest germination response from intact seeds of both species, and that dormancy polymorphism in the seed bank may allow both species to survive two fires in rapid succession and long inter-fire intervals. However, germination was low in field fire experiments, which may have been due to low fire intensity, and hence smoke production, resulting from a winter prescription burn. For both species, herefore, population viability may be compromised if the imposed fire regime includes fires that are too cool or too frequent. This study has demonstrated, for these species, that small populations that exist in recently fragmented habitat patches are far more likely to experience adverse ecological and genetic effects than those in continuous, relatively undisturbed, bushland. The process of demographic and genetic decline in small G. caleyi populations is likely to continue with the ongoing pressures of edge effects, habitat degradation and pollinator declines, and the increased isolation of some populations. The seed bank may buffer these declines to some extent, but this ability is limited by a lack of habitat for population expansion, which means that effective population sizes will remain very small or decrease further. The various differences detected between small and large G. caleyi populations emphasises the importance of large populations, and the ecological processes occurring within larger habitat patches, for the long-term conservation of the species.

Thesis (MSc) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2002.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The fires, which occurred during January 2000 on the Southern Cape Peninsula, Cape Province, South Africa, focused attention on the importance of sound, informed management of exotic plant invaders in fynbos, especially at the urban interface. The fires also highlighted the relative lack of knowledge about the combined impacts of fire, exotic plants and the exotic-clearing programme on soil seed banks and regeneration. This study examines soil borne seed banks, regeneration, soil chemistry and micro biota in different postfire environments, focusing on three components of exotic plant management: The post-fire effects of standing invasive exotic plants; stacks of slashed exotic plant material which were deliberately burnt and stacks reduced to heat scars by a wildfire. The primary hypothesis addressed is that post-fire vegetation regeneration patterns, seed bank diversity and seed bank abundance are linked to pre-fire vegetation characteristics and, in particular, to the treatment of exotic plant species. It is also hypothesised that soil microbe population sizes are linked to pre-fire vegetation and soil chemical composition. Differences in soil seed banks, soil micro biota and vegetation regeneration patterns occur in different post-fire environments. High volumes of (live or dead) woody exotic biomass negatively impact upon postfire indigenous species diversity and abundance, both above and below-ground. Soil seed banks and above-ground regeneration decline with increasing fire intensity, wildfire burnt stack treatments showing the largest declines followed by wildfire burnt standing exotics, control burnt stacks, wildfire burnt cleared areas and wildfire burnt Mountain Fynbos treatments. Persistent indigenous seed banks are found under some exotic dominated stands. Heat damage, associated with high woody exotic biomass, affects seeds of all species into deep soil layers. Depth of burial is a more important determinant of seed survival during fires than seed size. Soil microbial populations are variably affected by exotic plants, their management and increases in fire intensity. The most drastic microbial population changes are in post-fire treatments of high exotic plant biomass. Soil chemistry affects microbial population sizes as does seasonal climatic changes. In this thesis vegetation, seed bank and microbial responses to various exotic plant management practices are shown and management recommendations are made. Keywords: exotic plants, fire, Fynbos Siome, microbes, post-fire succession, soil seed banks.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Januarie 2000 vure op die Suid Kaapse Skiereiland het fokus gerig op die belangrikheid van goeie, ingeligte bestuur van uitheemse indringerplante in fynbos, veral naby stedelike gebiede. Die vure het ook 'n relatiewe .gebrek aan kennis aangaande die gekombineerde impakte van vuur, uitheemse plantegroei en indringer plant beheer programme op grond saadbanke en die hergroei van plante na 'n vuur aan die lig gebring. Hierdie projek bestudeer die invloed van vuur op grond saadbanke, hergroei van plante, grond chemie en mikro-organismes. Die klem lê op drie komponente van uitheemse plant bestuur: waar staande uitheemse plante voorkom; waar skoongekapte uitheemse plante in hope gestapel is en gekontraleerd gebrand is en waar soortgelyke hope in 'n onbeplande weghol vuur gebrand is. Die primêre hipotese is dat plant herstelpatrone, saadbank diversiteit en grootte gekoppel is aan veldtoestande voordat daar gebrand is, en veral aan die bestuur van uitheemse plantspesies. Nog 'n sentrale hipotese is dat die grootte van grond mikrobiale populasies gekoppel is aan veld toestande voor die brand en aan grond chemiese samestelling. Hierdie studie dui verskille aan in grond saadbanke, mikro-organismes en plant hergroeipatrone onder verskeie toestande na vuur. Die brand van hoë volumes (lewende of dooie) houtagtige uitheemse plant biomassa benadeel inheemse plant spesie diversiteit en getalle (bo en onder die grond oppervlak). Grond saadbanke neem af met vehogings in vuur intensiteit. Die grootste afnames is in wegholvuur gebrande gestapelde uitheemse plantmateriaal gevolg deur wegholvuur gebrande staande uitheemse plante, opsetlik gebrande hope uitheemse plante, gebrande skoongekapte areas en wegholvuur gebrande Berg Fynbos. Ou inheemse saadbanke is gevind onder sommige areas wat voor die vuur oorheers was deur uitheemse plantegroei. Hitteskade, geassosieer met hoë volumes houtagtige uitheemse biomassa, affekteer sade van alle spesies tot diep in die grond. Saad oorlewing tydens brande is meer geaffekteer deur diepte van begrawing in die grond as deur saad grootte. Grond mikro-organisme populasies is geaffekteer deur uitheemse indringer plante, die bestuur van uitheemse plante en vuur intensiteit. Die grootste veranderinge is waar die biomassa van uitheemse plantegroei baie hoog is. Grond chemiese samestelling en seisoenale veranderinge in weerspatrone affekteer die grootte van mikrobiale bevolkings. In hierdie tesis word verskille in plantegroei, saad store en grond mikrobes, soos geaffekteer deur uitheemse plant beheer programme uitgewys en voorstelle vir toekomstige bestuur gemaak. Sleutelwoorde: Fynbos Bioom, grond saad stoor, mikrobes, plant hergroei, uitheemse plante, vuur.

South African rangelands in combination with their surrounding homesteads occupy 13% of the entire land surface in South Africa. These rangelands are a source of forage for communal livestock. The rangelands in communal tenure system are degraded due to high human population and livestock numbers. The rangeland of Peddie was never evaluated since the introduction of Nguni Cattle Empowerment Project. Therefore, socio-ecological evaluation was conducted in order to interlink farmer‟s perceptions and scientific data to recommend appropriate rangeland management and restoration programme. Two structured questionnaires consisting of close and open ended questions were used to investigate farmer‟s perceptions on rangeland condition, dynamics, and their causes. Sixty households were randomly selected on the bases of livestock ownership and the membership in Nguni Cattle Project. In each household, any respondent of 20 years or greater, and a key informant of age greater than 40 years were selected. For scientific assessment of range condition, three homogenous vegetation units namely grassland, scattered and dense bushland were demarcated into four 100m x 50m replicates. In each replicate, two 100m transects were laid parallel to each other with 30m equidistant apart. The step point and harvesting method along each transect were employed for herbaceous species composition and biomass production. The point-to-tuft distance was also determined as a proxy for basal cover. Woody density, species composition and tree equivalents were determined in 200m2 belt transects in each HVU replicates. The germination method for soil seed bank evaluation was also employed to find plant species composition and density. The soil nutrients (OC, N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn) and pH were analysed through solution preparation and observation under photospectrometer to determine functional capacity of the soil of Peddie rangeland. The farmer‟s perceptions comprised of 63% females and 37% males (n = 120) with a mean household of 8 people, 5 adults and 3 children. It was perceived by 93.3% respondents that the rangeland of Peddie have undergone changes over two decades. These changes were perceived by 83% respondents to be accompanied by decline in livestock numbers. Woody encroachment and overgrazing were perceived to be the major attributes of these vegetation changes. The scientific rangeland condition assessment confirmed that these changes were more pronounced as bush density increases. Dense bushland had a significantly high (p<0.05) encroached condition with 6650 trees ha-1 and 4909.5 TE ha-1 beyond the recommended thresholds of 2400 trees ha-1 and 2500 TE ha-1 respectively. Scattered bushland had a fair condition of 1950 trees ha-1 and 1198.1TE ha-1. Themeda triandra as a key species was significantly higher (p<0.05) in grassland (31.1%) than scattered (15.6%) and dense bushland (6.1%). There was a declining trend in biomass production from grassland to dense bushland. The summer biomass production was significantly higher (p<0.05) in grassland than scattered and dense bushland but winter biomass was not significantly different (p>0.05) from all homogenous vegetation units of Peddie rangeland. However, the soil fertility increased with an increase in bush density except organic carbon (OC) which was 1.61% in grassland, 1.46% in scattered and 1.53% in dense bushland respectively. Soil N, K, P, Mg2+ Na+, Ca2+, Cu, Zn, Mn and pH were significantly higher (p<0.05) in dense bushland than grassland and scattered bushland. High soil fertility in dense bushland may be attributed to by abscission of woody plants and litter decomposition. In the soil seed bank, the abundances of forbs were significantly higher than sedges (χ2 = 12, df = 1, p = 0.001) and grasses (χ2 = 8.333, df = 1, p = 0.004) in all homogenous vegetation units while sedges were not significantly different (χ2 = 3, df = 1, p = 0.083) from grasses. The Sorensen‟s index indicated that soil seed bank and extant vegetation were significantly different (p<0.05). Annual and biennial forbs and sedges had high abundances while perennial grasses formed a bulk in above ground vegetation. This provided an insight that a reliance on soil seed bank for restoration of Peddie rangeland would not be advisable because it can result in retrogression. The communal rangeland assessment provided clear qualitative and quantitative data when the combination of indigenous knowledge and scientific assessments was done. The rationale is that conclusions and recommendations of range assessment are relient on the farmer‟s perceptions pertinent to their livestock production systems and their rangeland management objectives. This study has shown that inclusion of communal farmers in policy making can provide better insight because those are the people experiencing the consequences of range degradation.

Few areas on earth remain untouched by human activity. Agricultural land has become the largest terrestrial biome globally with ~ 40% of earth’s surface occupied by pastures and croplands. This has resulted in widespread biodiversity loss and ecosystem alteration, which is being further exacerbated by climate change. Urgent and widespread revegetation of agricultural landscapes is required to slow and remediate these impacts. Simultaneously, the extent of abandoned agricultural land, often referred to as old-fields, is increasing worldwide due to a range of socioeconomic factors, providing significant opportunities for revegetation. Natural regeneration, whereby an area is left to revegetate on its own, with minimal human intervention, can be a cost-effective and large-scale restoration approach well suited to some, but not all, agricultural landscapes. While there are numerous success stories regarding natural regeneration from around the world, natural regeneration in other areas is significantly constrained by low propagule supply and/or high levels of land degradation. Considerable knowledge gaps regarding patterns and drivers of natural regeneration remain and improved understanding of these processes is critical for informing improved decisions regarding effective revegetation strategies for degraded landscapes. This thesis examines natural regeneration of vegetation within agricultural landscapes, specifically of old-fields, with a focus on floodplains of the northern Murray-Darling Basin, Australia. More specifically, the research presented here sought to: 1) understand global trends of natural regeneration of woody vegetation in agricultural landscapes and its key drivers,; 2) describe patterns and drivers of natural regeneration within floodplain old-fields of the northern Murray-Darling Basin; 3) understand the regenerative capacity from major propagule sources within agricultural floodplain landscapes of the northern Murray-Darling Basin; and 4) investigate how different hydrological events influence the regeneration of riparian vegetation in semi-arid agricultural landscapes. Chapter 1 introduces the thesis, presenting background information on revegetation within agricultural landscapes, restoration approaches, a conceptualisation of states and trajectories of natural regeneration, and a description of the study area. In Chapter 2, I explore the global literature on natural regeneration within agricultural landscapes through a systematic quantitative literature review designed to provide a deeper understanding of the compositional and structural characteristics of naturally regenerating woody vegetation, key factors driving these patterns, and the global state of knowledge in this field. To conduct this review, I surveyed an initial 947 research papers from across the globe and selected a shortlist of 84 primary empirical studies based on a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among the shortlisted studies, it was observed that regenerating vegetation does not return completely to that of remnant reference conditions in relation to composition and structural characteristics, and most commonly exhibits novel attributes in relation to both. Land-use history, propagule supply, species interactions (i.e., facilitation and competition), and soil properties emerged as the four broad factors driving patterns in naturally regenerating woody vegetation in oldfields globally. Overall, the review found that despite vegetation regrowing with a novel compositional and structural character, this approach does provide a viable form of restoration in a wide range of conditions. In Chapters 3, 4, and 5, the results are then presented of several field and glasshouse studies designed to better understand patterns, processes, and drivers of natural regeneration in floodplain old-fields across the northern Murray-Darling Basin. Chapter 3 explores patterns and drivers of extant woody vegetation regrowth on old-fields distributed amongst four major regions representing a broad aridity gradient across the northern Murray-Darling Basin. The aim of this chapter is to identify key compositional and structural characteristics of naturally regenerating woody vegetation, and drivers of these, across the study area. This study found that after approximately 30–40 years, woody vegetation in these old-fields begins to regenerate in greater density to that of remnant reference sites. Nevertheless, regenerating old-fields did support woody vegetation of similar species composition to remnant reference sites. Mean annual rainfall, time since abandonment, and presence of remnant paddock trees were identified as major drivers of natural regeneration in this study. Overall, this chapter demonstrates that natural regeneration can be a viable form of restoration within these landscapes, provided adequate time for recovery is allowed. For successful natural regeneration to occur, there must be adequate plant propagules within a site and/or being supplied to the area. Chapter 4 explores how various major seed banks (i.e., soil, animal scat and leaf litter) contribute to the overall regenerative capacity of old-fields in the northern Murray-Darling Basin. The year-long seedling emergence experiment studied seed banks from the 12 old-fields as well as adjacent remnant vegetation patches investigated in Chapter 3, to understand how land-use history influences regenerative capacity. This study found that each seed bank type played an important role in contributing to the overall regenerative success, although, there was little difference between seed banks of different land-use histories, indicating high levels of seed bank resilience to agricultural land-use disturbances. The results suggest that soil seed banks are vital for storing high herb species richness. Additionally, animal scats support relatively high abundances of emerging seedlings, indicating that zoochory is likely to be a vital seed dispersal mode within these landscapes. Finally, leaf litter, while producing very low abundances of emerging seedlings overall, contained the highest abundance of germinable seeds of woody species in these oldfields. Very low numbers of woody tree seedlings emerged from the experiment overall, however, indicating that trees are unlikely to store seeds within these seed banks in these habitats and likely rely on more immediate supply from remnant paddock trees or vegetation patches. This research indicated that seed banks are important contributors to natural regeneration of these old-fields, but mainly with respect to understory and midstory species. Within semi-arid ecosystems, water regimes are critical in driving plant establishment and vegetation regeneration and previous research has shown the importance of flooding in shaping plant population and vegetation dynamics within arid and semi-arid floodplain habitats. Knowledge gaps remain, however, regarding the importance of flooding versus rainfall events. In this chapter, I present the results of a field experiment examining the establishment of Eucalyptus camaldulensis seedlings and understory vegetation in response to differing hydrological events (flooding, rainfall and drought) in two different habitat types (remnant riparian zone and adjacent floodplain old-field). Imposed flooding, rainfall and drought treatments were conducted on 180 Eucalyptus camaldulensis and in situ extant vegetation within 18 grazing enclosure plots over a 9-month experiment. Overall, there was very high seedling mortality, with ~3% of Eucalyptus seedlings surviving the entire experiment. Flooding was critical, however, in driving this survival of seedlings and supporting the resilience of understory cover and diversity over this period. The survival of seedlings up until 10 weeks was higher in riparian plots than in floodplain old-field plots, although habitat type had less of an effect within flooded plots. The results of this study demonstrates that rainfall alone is unlikely to be sufficient to enable adequate vegetation regeneration in these habitats. Overall, the combined results of this project clearly demonstrate that floodplain old-fields of the northern Murray-Darling Basin exhibit significant resilience to previous agricultural landuse at landscape scales. Furthermore, this thesis demonstrates that natural regeneration is a viable approach to revegetating old-field floodplain habitats in this region, adding to the broad range of diverse case studies reporting effective natural regeneration in agricultural landscapes globally. The final chapter (Chapter 6) of this thesis synthesises the key findings and management implications of the knowledge generated by this thesis, as well as identifying future research needs which can better support effective regeneration strategies of such landscapes.
Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School of Environment and Sc
Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology
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Fire is generally used as a management tool for different vegetation types such as savannas and grasslands in southern Africa. In the False Thornveld of the Eastern Cape, fire is commonly used to control bush encroachment and to increase grass production, as grasses are important source of forage for domestic livestock. At the University of Fort Hare farm in the Eastern Cape, a trial was set up in 1980 to investigate the effect of burning frequency on vegetation. There are six treatments replicated twice in a completely randomized design on a 100 m x 50 m plots. The treatments comprise no burn, annual, biennial, triennial, quadrennial and sexennial burns. From this trial a study was conducted to investigate long term effect of burning frequency on species and soil seed bank diversity. Two 100 m line transects located 25 m apart were laid within each plot, and the herbaceous and woody species were identified and recorded along the line transects. Relative abundances (%) for each species were calculated for each treatment. Soil samples were collected at an interval of 13.3 m along the line transects. The samples were placed in paper bags and kept for use in a germination experiment. The seedling emergence germination method was used in the glasshouse to determine emerging seedlings, pots were filled with Hygromix growth medium and the soils from the fire trials 12 X 6 = 72 were spread on top. Soil from the control plots were also pre-treated with heat, smoke and the combination of heat and smoke. The experiment started in January 2010 and was terminated in April 2010. The Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index was used to determine species diversity for standing vegetation and germinated seedlings. Data were tested for normality and species abundances were transformed. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied to test treatment effects on geminated seedlings, species abundance and diversity at α = 0.05 significance level. Significant differences between treatment means were determined by post v hoc tests using Fischer‟s Least Significant Difference test at α = 0.05. The Pearson Moment Correlation test was used to test the relationship between vegetation and soil seed banks. Treatments had significant effects on herbaceous, woody species abundance and diversity (P < 0.05), but there was no significant treatment effect on soil seed bank diversity and on pre-germination treatments (P > 0.05). The annual, biennial and triennial burns were dominated by Themeda triandra while the quadrennial, sexennial and the control treatments were dominated by Sporobolus fimbriatus and Melica decumbens. A. karroo dominated the woody component across all treatments, but it did not change in abundance. S. fimbriatus was the most abundant in the soil seed bank across all the treatments and also in all pre-germination treatments. Species diversity was high in standing vegetation in the quadrennial, sexennial and the control treatments. There was no significant correlation between the standing vegetation and soil seed bank diversities (P > 0.05). Based on these findings it is apparent that fire can change vegetation in an area to be dominated by fire tolerant or fire intolerant species. Fire frequency, heat and smoke affects soil seed banks to a lesser extent in the False Thornveld. For the management of the False Thornveld of the Eastern Cape, less frequent burning is recommended as it increases aboveground species diversity.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The composition and state of soil-stored seed banks on- and off the mesa Tafelberg, in the Nama Karoo rangelands of the Eastem Cape, South Africa, were investigated within the context of a broader restoration ecology project "Restoration of degraded Nama Karoo rangelands: the role of conservation islands'". The premise for this seed bank study was that restoration of degraded semi-arid rangelands is possible through applied management programs based on the methodology and practice of ecological restoration. Broadly acknowledged properties of non-equilibrium environments (e.g. unpredictable climates and varying degrees of disturbance) and soilstored seed banks (e.g. spatial and temporal distributions) formed the basis for investigating. the general environment and the properties.. of existing seed, banks, in the Tafelberg locality. The potential role of hills as refugia for palatable plant species was an under-lying element of the investigation. Following a brief investigation, of historical and contemporary research and policy on rangeland degradation in semi-arid regions of the world, the fundamental need for comprehensive and applied seed bank research in the Nama Karoo is emphasised. Within the framework of the umbrella project, the seed bank study examined local environmental criteria commencing with an investigation into seed bank- and vegetation habitats. Chemical and physical properties of soils from twenty two sites on- and off Tafelberg were described. Substantial soil habitat variation, between the top, the north west slopes and plains and the south east slopes and plains of Tafelberg, was identified. Micro-site variation between open-canopy (interplant spaces) and closed-canopy (under plant cover) microhabitats was found to be significant Primary soil habitat differences were linked to soil organic matter content which was found to be low on the plains relative to the top and slopes; and, low in open-canopy micro-sites relative to closed-canopy sites. Soil texture and nutrient composition on- and off Tafelberg was found to be highly variable with significant differences between the top and the plains as well as between the north west and south east plains. The slopes were found to be intermediate (showing some level of gradient) between the top and the plains. Soil nutrient variation was interpreted as a function of textural and parent-material properties of soils. Anthropogenic factors for accelerated erosion, deposition, leaching and salt-crust formation were also considered. It was concluded that while properties of soils on- and off Tafelberg are inherently related to parent soils, changes to textural and nutrient properties may be occurring and these changes may have been exacerbated by high levels of grazing. An investigation (focusing on small shrubs) of plant phenological response, in relation to rainfall and grazing gradients, identified trends of peak budding- and flowering seasons following rainfall during summer and autumn respectively. A continuum of seeding activity, with peaks in late autumn and early winter, was construed from quarterly data. Flush vegetative growth was noted for most small shrubs during spring, autumn and summer surveys. Since some form of activity related to reproductive output (flush growth, budding, flowering or seeding) was apparent at almost all times of the year, it is argued that high intensity disturbance (including grazing) might impact negatively on plant survival, leading to reduced reproductive input (i.e. seeds) into future generations. Plant communities on the top and plains are described noting significant differences between vegetation on top of Tafelberg (comprising primarily high production, palatable grass and shrub species) and that on the plains (comprising mainly spinescent, ephemeral, toxic and low production species). Given the high grazing pressure on the plains (relative to the less utilised slopes and top of Tafelberg), differences in vegetation composition are discussed in relation to studies elsewhere that describe degraded rangelands. It is concluded firstly that the plains surrounding Tafelberg are degraded, secondty that long term over-utilisation has altered vegetation composition and finally that inter-grazing rest periods of three- or six months alone may not restore vegetation diversity nor desirable plant species to the plains. Results of germination trials (investigating soil-stored seed banks) from two sampling episodes (spring and autumn 1998) revealed that seed banks in soils removed from the plains, slopes and top of Tafelberg followed distribution patterns observed in above-ground vegetation. Species-specific data was not finalised for this thesis since not all seedlings matured and flowered within given time constraints. In order to compare seedling emergence data, plant categories were developed that distinguished ephemerals versus persistent (perennial) species and dicotyledonous species versus grasses and other monocotyledonous plants. Samples from the top and the middle to upper slopes showed a high percentage of palatable and persistent grass and shrub species present in soil-stored seed banks while over twothirds of plants germinating from plains' soil samples were ephemeral species and most of these were both tiny «Scm) and short-lived «3 months). Most of the perennial species germinating from plains' samples were seedlings of Pentzia incana, Chrysocoma ciliata and succulents (mostly Mesembryanthemaceae) but few perennial grasses were present. On the other hand, roughly 94% of seedlings germinating from samples from the top and 63% of seedlings germinating from two slopes of Tafelberg respectively were persistent- grass or shrubby species. Roughly 89% of ephemeral species recorded from slopes' samples germinated from the lowest footslope sites. Seed densities were closely linked to micro-habitats with roughly three-fold differences between open- (lower seed density) and closed-canopy (higher seed density) micro-sites. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated that most of the variation in seed density data was explained at the micro-habitat level. Seasonality played a secondary role with significant twoway interaction between the two effects. It is concluded that both factors must be considered when developing restoration programmes that aim to improve both overall plant cover and improved plant species diversity. While the original or "pristine" state of vegetation composition and seed banks on the plains is unknown, concems were raised regarding the apparently degraded state of total above- and below-ground plant diversity on these plains. A likely consequence of habitat degradation is that species with specific soil-, nutrient ratio-, aspect- and altitudinal requirements from the top and slopes of Tafelberg (as well as from nearby plains' refugia) may not be able to establish in degraded habitats on the plains. The identification of pioneer plant species (tolerant of habitat degradation) that allow increased vegetation cover and safe-sites for seedling germination of desirable plant species is recommended. Restoration programmes will need to be coupled with strict grazing management principles that allow seedling germination. establishment and successful reproductive output of desirable plants for future rangeland regeneration. Common and salient features of the soil habitat, plant pbenological response and germination trial studies are brought together in an examination of habitats and related seed bank diversity on- and off Tafelberg. Acknowledging the brevity of this research study, but utilising case studies from elsewhere and integrating both lines of questioning, the conclusion is again reached that the plains surrounding Tafelberg are degraded through decades and probably centuries of grazing by domestic livestock. It is considered crucial that restoration through improvement (or rehabilitation) of habitats and increased seedling safe-sites be considered. Both climate and grazing management appear to play an irrevocably linked role in shaping vegetation composition in rangelands. While rangelands are intrinsiCalfy adapted to surviving extremes of climatic variability found in non-equilibrium regions it is argued that the impacts of grazing, particularly during times of drought and climate change, are slowly reducing the intrinsic "buffer-capacity" of rangelands to withstand these changes and extremes. It seems apparent from research elsewhere that restoration through passive management is slow and probably not economically achievable within a viable time frame. The instifution and promotion of integrated and strategic programmes that identify and address issues of land degradation and land use change in semi-arid rangelands is recommended. The input and endeavours of different authorities, ministries and a broad public participation incentive are encouraged in these proposed programmes in order to ensure broadly-based input into long term sustainability and conservation of the considerable biological diversity of these regions. Seed bank assessment is considered to be a valuable means of indicating restoration potential and ranqeland condition with potential for the identification of both degraded and conservationworthy areas. Finally, some limitations and challenges of this study are examined through a process of firstly identifying alternative approaches to research methodologies and secondly through proposing recommendations for future research projects. While alternative methods could have been applied for the purposes of accomplishing this study it is concluded that, within the given time- and other constraints, the appropriate methods were applied.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die samestelling entoestand van groncbbewaarde saadbanke.op en van die mesa Tafelberg af, in die Nama Karoo weiveld van die Oos-Kaap, Suid-Afrika, is ondersoek binne die konteks van 'n wyer herstelekologieprojek: "Restourasie van oorbeweide Nama Karoo weiveld: die rol van bewannqseilande'". Die uitqanqspunt van hierdie saadbankondersoek was dat dit moontlik is om beskadigde semidroë weiveld te herstel deur middel van toegepaste bestuursprogramme wat gebaseer is op die metodologie en praktyk van ekologiese herstel. Algemeen erkende eienskappe van nieekwilibrium- omgewings (byvoorbeeld onvoorspelbare klimate en wisselende mates van versteuring) en grond-bewaarde saadbanke (byvoorbeeld ruimtelike en temporale verspreidings), het die basis gevorm vir die ondersoek van die algemene omgewing en die eienskappe van bestaande saadbanke in die Tafelberg omgewing. Die potensiële rol van heuwels as skuilplek vir aanvaarbare plantspesies was 'n onder1iggende element van die ondersoek. Na 'n kort ondersoek van historiese ~n kontemporêre navorsing en beleid oor weiveldbeskadiging in semi-droë streke van die wêreld, is die fundamentele behoefte aan omvattende en toegepaste saadbanknavorsing in die Nama Karoo beklemtoon. Binne die raamwerk van die oorkoepelende projek het die saadbankondersoek plaaslike omgewingskriteria bestudeer, beginnende met 'n ondersoek na saadbank- en plantegroeihabitats. Chemiese en fisiese eienskappe van grond vanaf twee en twintig terreine op en van Tafelberg af is beskryf. Omvattende grondhabitatwisseling tussen die kruin, die noordwestelike hange en die vlaktes en die suidoostelike hange en vlaktes van Tafelberg is geïdentifiseer. Mikroterreinwisseling tussen die oop-dak (tussenplantruimtes) en toe-dak (onderplantdekking) -mikrohabitats is as beduidend bevind. Primêre grondhabitatverskille is gekoppel aan die inhoud van die grond se organiese materiaal, wat op die vlaktes as laag bevind is vergeleke met die kruin en hange; en laag bevind is in oop-dak-mikroterreine vergeleke met toe-dak-terreine, Daar is gevind dat die grondtekstuur en voedingstofsamestelling op en van Tafelberg af aansienlik varieer, met beduidende verskille tussen die kruin en die vlaktes, en ook tussen die noordwestelike en suidoostelike vlaktes. Daar is gevind dat die hange intermediêr is (toon 'n mate van gradiënt) tussen die kruin en die vlaktes. Die wisseling in grondvoedingstowwe is vertolk as 'n funksie van teksturele en ouermateriaaleienskappe van grond. Antropogeniese faktore vir versnelde erosie, neerslag, loging en soutkorsvorming is ook oorweeg. Die gevolgtrekking is gemaak dat terwyl die eienskappe van grond op en van Tafelberg af inherent aan ouergrond verwant is, kan veranderinge aan tekstuur en voedingstofeienskappe voorkom, en hierdie veranderinge kon deur hoë vlakke van weiding vererger gewees het. 'n Ondersoek (wat op klein struike gefokus het) van plantfenologiese reaksie met betrekking tot reënval en weidingsgradiënte het tendense van piekbot- en blomseisoene na reënval gedurende die somer en herfs onderskeidelik geïdentifiseer. 'n Kontinuum van saadskietaktiwiteit, met piektye in laat herfs en vroeë winter, is van kwartaallikse data saamgestel. Groeistuwing is vir die meeste klein struike waargeneem gedurende lente-, herfs- en someropnames. Aangesien die een of ander vorm van aktiwiteit met betrekking tot voortplantingsgroei (groeistuwing, bot, blom of saadskiet) op feitlik al die tye van die jaar sigbaar was, word daar geredeneer dat hoëintensiteitversteuring (ook weiding) 'n negatiewe impak op plantoorlewing kan hê, wat sal lei tot verminderde voortplantingsinset (m.a.w. sade) in toekomstige geslagte. Plantgemeenskappe op die kruin en vlaktes word beskryf met beduidende verskille tussen plantegroei op die kruin van Tafelberg (wat hoofsaaklik bestaan uit hoëproduksie, smaaklike gras- en struikspesies) en dié ap die vlaktes (wat bestaan uit hoofsaaklik doringagtige, efemere, toksiese en laeproduksie-spesies). Gegee die hoë weidingsdruk op die vlaktes (vergeleke met die minder benutte hange en kruin van Tafelberg), word verskille in die samestelling van plantegroei bespreek met betrekking tot studies elders wat beskadigde weiveld beskryf. Die gevolgtrekking word eerstens gemaak dat die vlaktes om Tafelberg beskadig is, tweedens dat langtermyn-oorbenutting die samestelling van die plantegroei verander het, en laastens dat interweiding-rusperiodes van drie tot ses maande alleen dalk nie die diversiteit van plantegroei of die verlangde plantspesies op die vlaktes kan herstel nie. Die uitslae van kiemingstoetse (wat ondersoek ingestel het na grond-bewaarde saadbanke) van twee steekproefepisodes (lente en herfs 1'998)het getoon dat saadbanke in grond wat van die vlaktes, hange en kruin van Tafelberg verwyder is, die verspreidingspatrone volg wat in bogrondse plantegroei waargeneem is. Spesie-spesifieke data is nie vir hierdie tesis gefinaliseer nie, aangesien nie alle saailinge binne die gegewe tydsbeperkinge gegroei en geblom het nie. Ten einde saailing-verskyningsdata te vergelyk, is plantkategorieë ontwikkel wat efemere en langdurige (meerjarige) spesies en dikotiele spesies en grassoorte en ander monokotiele plante onderskei. Steekproewe van die kruin en teen die middelste en boonste hange het 'n hoë persentasie van aanvaarbare en standhoudende gras- en struikspesies getoon wat in grond-bewaarde saadbanke teenwoordig is, terwyl meer as twee derdes van plante wat in die vlaktes se grondmonsters ontkiem het, efemere spesies was, en die meeste daarvan was klein «5cm) en met 'n kort leeftyd «3 maande). Die meeste van die meerjarige spesies wat van die vlaktes se steekproewe kom, was saailinge van Pentzia incana, Chrysocoma ciliata en vetplante (hoofsaaklik Mesembryanthemaceae), maar min meerjarige grasse was teenwoordig. Daarenteen was onderskeidelik ongeveer 94% van saailinge wat van monsters van die kruin en 63% van saailinge wat van twee van die hange van Tafelberg ontkiem het, langdurige gras- of struikspesies. Ongeveer 89% van die efemere spesies wat van die hange se steekproewe aangeteken is, het op die laagste voethang-terreine ontkiem. Saaddigthede toon 'n noue verband met mikrohabitats, met ongeveer drievoudige verskille tussen oop- (laer saaddigtheid) en toe-dak (hoër saaddigtheid) -mikroterreine. 'n Multivariaatontleding van variansie (MANOVA) het aangedui dat die meeste van die variasie in saaddigtheidsdata op die mikrohabitat-vlak verduidelik is. Seisoenaliteit het 'n sekondêre rol gespeel, met beduidende tweerigting-interaksie tussen die twee uitwerkings. Die gevolgtrekking word gemaak dat albei faktore oorweeg moet word wanneer herstelprogramme ontwikkel word wat ten doel het om algehele plantbedekking en die diversiteit van verbeterde plantspesies te verhoog. Terwyl die oorspronklike of "ongerepte" toestand van die plantegroei se samestelling en saadbanke op die vlaktes onbekend is, is kommer uitgespreek oor die klaarblyklik beskadigde toestand van die totale bo- en ondergrondse plantdiversiteit op hierdie vlaktes. 'n Waarskynlike gevolg van habitatbeskadiging is dat spesies met spesifieke grond-, voedingstofverhouding-, aspek- en seevlak-vereistes van die kruin en hange van Tafelberg (asook van nabygeleë vlakteskuilings) nie in staat sal wees om in beskadigde habitats op die vlaktes te vestig nie. Die identifikasie van pionierplantspesies (verdraagsaam vir habitatbeskadiging) wat verhoogde plantegroeidekking en veilige terreine vir saailingontkieming van verlangde plantspesies toelaat, word aanbeveel. Herstelprogramme sal gekoppel moet word aan streng weidingsbeginsels wat saailingontkieming, die vestiging en suksesvolle voortplantingsproduksie van gewenste plante vir toekomstige weiveldherstel moontlik maak. Algemene en belangrike eienskappe van die grondhabitat, plantfenologiereaksie en kiemingsproefondersoeke word saamgevoeg in 'n ondersoek van habitats en verwante saadbankdiversiteit op en van Tafelberg af. Met erkenning van die kortstondigheid van hierdie navorsingsondersoek, maar met benutting van gevallestudies van elders en die integrasie van albei vraaglyne, word daarweertot die slotsom gekom dat die vlaktes om Tafelberg beskadig is deur dekades en waarskynlik eeue se beweiding deur mak lewende hawe. Dit word as uiters belangrik beskou dat herstel deur verbetering (of rehabilitasie) van habitats en 'n groter aantal saailing beveiligingsterreine oorweeg moet word. Dit lyk asof klimaat sowel as weidingsbestuur 'n onherroeplik gekoppelde rol speel in die vorming van die samestelling van plantegroei op weiveld. Terwyl weiveld intrinsiek aangepas is by die oorlewing van uiterste klimaatswisseling wat in nie-ekwilibriese streke aangetref word, word daar geredeneer dat die impak van beweiding, veral gedurende droogtetye en klimaatsverandering, stadigaan die intrinsieke "buffervermoë" van weiveld verminder om hierdie veranderinge en uiterstes te weerstaan. Dit blyk uit navorsing elders dat herstel deur passiewe bestuur stadig en waarskynlik nie ekonomies haalbaar is binne 'n lewensvatbare tydsraamwerk nie. Die instelling en bevordering van geïntegreerde en strategiese programme wat kwessies van grondbeskadiging en verandering van grondgebruik in semi-droë gebiede identifiseer en oplos, word aanbeveel. Die insette en pogings van verskillende owerhede en ministeries en deelname deur die breë publiek word aangemoedig in hierdie voorgestelde programme ten einde insette met 'n breë basis in die langtermyn~volhoubaarheid en bewaring van die aansienlike biologiese diversiteit van hierdie streke te verseker. Saadbankbeoordeling word beskou as 'n waardevolle manier om die herstelpotensiaal en weiveldtoestande met die potensiaal vir die identifisering van beskadigde sowel as bewaringswaardige gebiede aan te dui. Laastens word 'n paar beperkings en uitdagings van hierdie studie ondersoek deur 'n proses van eerstens die identifisering van alternatiewe benaderings tot navorsingsmetodologieë, en tweedens deur die voorstel van aanbevelings vir toekomstige navorsingsprojekte. Terwyl alternatiewe metodes toegepas kon gewees het ten einde hierdie studie af te handel, is die gevolgtrekking dat die toepaslike metodes binne die gegewe tyd5- en ander beperkings toegepas is.

Due to large pulses of recruitment immediately after fire and population decline with time-since-fire, I predicted seed density with time-since-fire would follow a unimodal function with low density in early and late years post-fire, and highest density at intermediate time-since-fire. I compared seed density data among sites with different time-since-fire: two sites each of three, six, ten and 24 years time-since-fire and three long-unburned sites (greather than]24 years). Variability in seed bank composition and density increased with time-since-fire and only recently burned stands were distinctly different from the other time-since-fire age classes. Some species and functional groups did exhibit a quadratic or cubic association to time-since-fire (ruderal herbs, subshrubs, Ceratiola ericoides, Lechea cernua, Paronychia chartacea, Phyllanthus tenellus); however, timing of the peak in seed density varied depending on life span and age of reproductive maturity. Scrub herbs were the most abundant functional group in the seed bank and showed highest density in the first ten years post-fire. This pattern corresponds to the pattern of aboveground species abundance and suggests abundances above- and belowground are closely linked. Understanding the dynamics of the seed bank in both naturally and anthropogenically disturbed communities in Florida rosemary scrub is important for the restoration of scrub habitat and management of existing populations of endangered and threatened scrub species endemic to the Lake Wales Ridge in central Florida.; The soil seed bank plays a dynamic role in the regeneration of plant communities after natural and anthropogenic disturbance. In this thesis, I addressed how disturbances influence the vegetation and seed bank of Florida rosemary scrub. In Chapter One I evaluated changes in species composition and spatiotemporal pattern of the vegetation and seed bank along a gradient of disturbance. During the summers and winters of 2007-2009 percent ground cover and seed bank species composition were assessed among replicates of three vegetation types subjected to minimal, moderate, and extreme anthropogenic disturbance (native rosemary scrub, degraded scrub, and agriculturally improved pasture, respectively). These vegetation types shared the same soil and topographic characteristics but differed in disturbance history. I found that species composition and spatial pattern varied with disturbance. In pastures the compositional and structural characteristics of rosemary scrub were lost and only native scrub species able to evade herbivory persisted in this community. Native and degraded scrub differed most from each other in species abundances and spatial pattern. Degraded scrub showed highest abundance of subshrubs and a spike moss species, while rosemary scrub was dominated by shrubs. The seed banks of scrub herbs in degraded scrub had a tendency towards a random spatial distribution that lacked association with aboveground cover. Conversely, rosemary scrub seed banks tended to have an aggregated distribution and were associated with occurrence of conspecific species aboveground, litter, and shrub cover. These results indicated a change in the spatial heterogeneity of the seed banks of scrub herbs in degraded scrub. In Chapter Two I evaluated changes in seed bank density with time-since-fire in native rosemary scrub.
ID: 028917091; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Thesis (M.S.)--University of Central Florida, 2010.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 108-123).
M.S.
Masters
Department of Biology
Sciences

Aphthona spp. flea beetles were released in the Little Missouri National Grasslands (LMNG) in western North Dakota in 1999 to control leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.). The changes in soil seed bank composition and leafy spurge density were evaluated on two ecological sites five (2004) and ten years (2009) after Aphthona spp. release to monitor the effectiveness of the insects on weed control and associated change in plant communities. In 2009, leafy spurge stem density averaged 2 and 9 stems m-2 in the loamy overflow and loamy sites, respectively, compared to 110 and 78 stems m-2, respectively, in 1999 and 7 and 10 stems m-2, respectively, in 2004. Leafy spurge constituted nearly 67% of the loamy overflow seed bank in 1999 compared to 17% in 2004 and 2% in 2009. In the loamy seedbank, the weed represented nearly 70% in 1999 compared to approximately 11% in 2004 and 15% in 2009. As leafy spurge was reduced, native species diversity and seed count increased ten years following Aphthona spp. release. High-seral species represented 17% of the loamy overflow seedbank in 2009, an increase from 5% in 1999. However, Kentucky bluegrass, a non-target weedy species, increased over 250% in the loamy overflow seedbank from 2004 to 2009. The reestablishment of native plant species has often been slow in areas where leafy spurge was controlled using Aphthona spp. A bioassay was completed to evaluate native grass establishment when grown in soil from Aphthona spp. release and non-release sites throughout North Dakota. Native grass production was not affected when grown in soil collected from established Aphthona spp. sites (1.5 g per pot) compared to soil without insects (1.6 g per pot). The cause of reduced native grass production in sites with Aphthono spp. previously observed is unknown but may have been due to a chemical inhibition caused by the insects within the soil that no longer exists. The native warm-season switchgrass (Ponicum virgotum L.) may be an alternative to corn for efficient biofuel production; however, control of cool-season grassy weeds has been a problem in switchgrass production. Various herbicides were evaluated for smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) and quackgrass [Elymus repens (L.) Gould] control in an established switchgrass stand near Streeter, ND and a weed-infested field in Fargo, ND. Switchgrass yield was higher than the control 14 mo after treatment (MAT) when aminocyclopyrachlor or sulfometuron were applied early in the growing season, but no treatment provided satisfactory long-term grassy weed control. Herbicides were reevaluated at increased rates for smooth bromegrass or quackgrass control in Fargo. Sulfometuron provided 99% smooth bromegrass control when applied at 280 g ha-1 in the fall but injured other grass and forb species as well. Sulfometuron would likely be injurious to switchgrass and could not be used for biofuel production. Aminocyclopyrachlor did not injure other grass species but only reduced smooth bromegrass control by 76% when applied at 280 g ha-1 in the fall. No treatment provided satisfactory long-term quackgrass control.

Orientadores: Carlos Alfredo Joly, Flavio Antonio Maës dos Santos
Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia
Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T11:17:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Vinha_Daniella_D.pdf: 19806435 bytes, checksum: af3818b4640c3acda5f09a0580ff9346 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015
Resumo: Estudos prévios demonstraram baixa sazonalidade na frutificação em florestas tropicais não-sazonais, o que poderia influenciar o padrão temporal e espacial da chuva de sementes e do banco de sementes. Entretanto, esses processos não são conhecidos. O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar como ocorre a regeneração natural via sementes em uma floresta tropical Montana no Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar. Foram testadas as hipóteses: (1) a sazonalidade na chuva de sementes é fraca ou ausente e esse padrão não se diferencia dentro dos modos de dispersão; (2) o banco de sementes é florísticamente relacionado com a chuva de sementes e espacialmente acoplado; (3) o banco de sementes apresenta baixa sazonalidade e esse padrão não difere dentro dos modos de dispersão. Em 2 hectares de floresta, nós registramos o total de 29959-62904 diásporos na chuva de sementes (104-106 spp.), 1029-2999 diásporos no banco de sementes da serapilheira (36-38 spp.) e 6288-7824 plântulas no banco de sementes do solo (74-82 spp.) ao longo de dois anos. Asteraceae, Urticaceae e Melastomataceae foram abundantes na chuva de sementes (63-81%), no banco de sementes da serapilheira (70-73%) e no banco de sementes do solo (77-84%). A maior riqueza de espécies foi de arbóreas na chuva de sementes (59-61%) e banco de sementes da serapilheira (72-68%), e de herbáceas no banco de sementes do solo (ca. 55%). Houve maior proporção de sementes arbóreas em todas as vias de regeneração, assim como maior riqueza de espécies zoocóricas (mais de 50%). Entretanto, a anemocoria contribuiu com a maior proporção do total de sementes no banco de sementes do solo (ca. 75%) e da chuva de sementes de uma das áreas (64%). Houve sazonalidade na chuva de sementes com um único pico na abundância (Out-Nov). Esse padrão foi reforçado pela sazonalidade na abundância e riqueza de espécies da chuva de sementes anemocórica e zoocórica, ambas ocorrendo no período de maior precipitação. A chuva de sementes influenciou a composição de espécies das sementes contidas na serapilheira e no solo. Entretanto, o acoplamento espacial entre as vias de regeneração ocorreu somente em uma das áreas. O banco de sementes não apresentou variações na composição florística e houve fraca variação temporal na densidade e riqueza de espécies, repercutindo igualmente dentro dos modos de dispersão. Esse estudo demonstrou que a chuva de sementes pode ser sazonal em condições de baixa sazonalidade ambiental, independente do modo de dispersão das sementes. A relação entre composição da chuva de sementes e das sementes contidas na serapilheira e no solo revela que essas vias são interligadas e dependentes entre si, resultando em padrões espaciais agrupados. Como resultado, a baixa variação temporal do banco de sementes não pode ser atribuída à baixa sazonalidade na chuva de sementes. O fato de não haver acúmulo de sementes no solo após o período de dispersão sugere o baixo tempo de permanência das sementes. Por outro lado, a falta de acoplamento espacial em uma das áreas sugere processos de pós-dispersão atuando na reestruturação espacial do banco de sementes
Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated low seasonality in the fruiting phenology in aseasonal tropical forests, which could influence the spatial and temporal pattern of seed rain and seed bank. However, these processes are poorly known. The aim of this study was to determine seed natural regeneration in an Atlantic tropical Montane forest located in southeast of Brazil, Serra do Mar State Park. The hipotheses were tested: (1) seasonality of seed rain is weak or absent and this pattern is no different within the dispersal modes; (2) the floristic composition of seed bank is closely related with seed rain and there is a spatial association between them; (3) the seed bank has a low seasonality and this pattern is the same within the dispersal modes. In two hectares of forest we recorded total of 29959-62904 seeds in the seed rain (104-106 spp.), 1029-2999 seeds in the litter seed bank (36-38 spp.) and 6288-7824 seedlings in the soil seed bank (78-82 spp.) over two years. Asteraceae, Urticaceae and Melastomataceae were abundant in the seed rain (63-81%), litter seed bank (70-73%) and soil seed bank (77-84%). Trees accounted to higher species richness in the seed rain (59-61%) and litter seed bank (72-68%). Herbaceous were most important to the species richness of soil seed bank (ca. 55%). There were more of tree seeds in all regeneration modes, as well as greater zoochorous species richness (more than 50%). However, anemochory had the largest proportion of total seeds in the soil seed bank (ca. 75%) as well as one of the areas where the seed rain was sampled (64%). There was seasonality of seed rain with a single peak in abundance (Oct-Nov). This pattern was reinforced by seasonality in the anemochorous and zoochorous abundance and species richness of seed rain, both occurring in the period of greatest rainfall. Seed rain influenced the species composition of the seeds in the litter and soil. However, the spatial coupling between the regeneration modes occurred in only one area. The soil seed bank showed no changes in the floristic composition and there was a weak temporal variation in density and species richness reflecting also within in the dispersal syndromes. This study demonstrated that seasonality in seed rain can occur even in tropical forests where environmental seasonality is low, regardless of the manner in which the seeds are dispersed. The relationship between seed rain and seed bank composition (litter and soil) reveals that these pathways are interconnected and dependent on each other, resulting in clustered spatial patterns. As a result, the low temporal variation of soil seed bank can not be attributed to the low seasonality of seed rain. Since there is no seed accumulation in the soil after a period of seed dispersal, short residence time of the seed in the soil is suggested. On the other hand, the lack of spatial association between seed rain and seed bank in one of the areas suggests post-dispersal processes acting in the spatial restructuring of the seed bank
Doutorado
Biologia Vegetal
Doutor em Biologia Vegetal

Conservation of biodiversity in urban vegetation fragments is of increasingly high importance with growing urbanisation globally, particularly so in the biodiversity hotspot of the Mediterranean southwest of Western Australia. Relationships between fragmentation (connectivity, fragment size, time since isolation) and urban disturbances (weed invasion, human disturbance, rubbish) relative to the soil seed bank of a representative sample of Perth’s urban woodland fragments (N=36) were examined. In total, 182 seedling types comprising 57 invasive, 105 native and 20 unknowns were identified. Approximately 65% of the 21,770 seedlings counted were native, 33% invasive and 2% unidentified. The average soil seed bank seedling density was 2,787 germinates per m2. Community analysis (ordination) showed that the soil seed bank composition correlated with fragment age. Subsequent quantitative analysis (linear regression) did not find evidence for species or functional trait groups being vulnerable to decline due to isolation or fragment age, indicating that species extinction is not evident within Perth’s urban fragments. More invasive annual herbs were found within older fragments and the soil seed banks of smaller fragments were found to have lower native species abundance compared to larger fragments. A positive relationship was found between the number of footpaths within a fragment and the abundance of annual invasive herbs within the soil seed bank. High weed cover in a fragment resulted in high weed presence within the soil seed bank. It was also found that high weed cover did not necessarily indicate low native species diversity or abundance within the soil seed bank, suggesting caution in using weed cover to classify sites as suitable/unsuitable for topsoil transfer in restoration activities. The soil seed bank of the study sites contained a diverse range of native species, indicating that topsoil from these areas may be useful in restoration of degraded sites.

Throughout arid and semi-arid inland Australia, many extensive floodplains occur in association with rivers which are amongst the most hydrologically variable in the world. As rainfall in these areas is characteristically low and patchy, conditions in Australia's 'dryland' floodplains fluctuate unpredictably between extended periods of drought and huge floods that transform vast areas into wetlands, often for months at a time. Vegetation in these floodplains is commonly dominated by short grass and forb associations and patches of open succulent shrubland which are attributed with high ecological and socio-economic values due to their provision of habitat to a diverse array of terrestrial and aquatic fauna and their productive native pasture growth. In temperate and tropical floodplains, a substantial number of studies have shown that plant community composition and structure is determined primarily by flow and alterations to flow in these areas, through water extraction or river regulation, have resulted in many changes to the vegetation including loss of biodiversity and mass invasions of exotic species. Despite increasing pressure for water resource development in 'dryland' regions, relatively little is known regarding the effects of highly variable flows on the vegetation dynamics of arid floodplains, particularly in Australia. This thesis addresses this knowledge gap by examining the role of flow in the vegetation dynamics of a large arid floodplain in central Australia: the Cooper Creek floodplain. The effects of flow on plant community dynamics, from an organism level to that of the landscape, are examined across a range of spatial and temporal scales. Results are presented from a two year temporal vegetation survey during which time two flood pulse events of differing sizes occurred. A large-scale spatial survey was also conducted to determine the effects of flood history on spatial variation in plant community composition and structure. The composition of the soil seed bank and its contribution to vegetation dynamics were additionally investigated through a series of germination trials. Amongst common arid floodplain plants, life history traits that enable persistence under variable hydrological conditions were also considered via several experiments aimed at determining the effects of flow on the outcomes of various life history stages including germination, growth and dispersal. Throughout the study, results are presented for plant groups that were predefined on the basis of life form, life span and taxonomic divisions within these categories. Plant community composition and structure in the Cooper Creek floodplain exhibits significant shifts both temporally, in response to flood pulse wetting and drying, and spatially, in response to flood history. Flood pulse inundation has the potential to influence each life history stage across the range of plant groups present and the outcomes of these appear to be determined by hydrological attributes such as flood pulse timing, duration and rate of drawdown. Vegetation consequently exhibits gradual zonation on a gradient of flood frequency along which plant groups occur at predictable locations depending on their life history traits and recent hydrological conditions. A substantial proportion of species display ruderal life history traits including large, persistent soil seed banks and rapid life cycles which enable escape in time from the stresses associated with flooding and drought. These species, mostly comprising annual monocots and forbs, are widespread throughout the landscape and their presence in the extant vegetation is related primarily to the time since the last flood pulse event and the hydrological attributes of this. Perennial species, particularly shrubs, do not appear to rely similarly on the soil seed bank for recruitment and their distribution in the floodplain vegetation is likely to be determined more by their ability to tolerate either flooding or drought. Overall, this study demonstrates that flow, despite its variability, has an overriding influence on vegetation dynamics in the arid floodplain of the Cooper Creek. The spatial and temporal variability of flow maintains a heterogeneous mosaic of plant communities of differing composition and structure. Given this close relationship between flow and vegetation dynamics, anthropogenic alterations to flow are likely to result in changes to the vegetation including homogenisation of plant communities across the floodplain landscape and eventual loss of biodiversity.

Throughout arid and semi-arid inland Australia, many extensive floodplains occur in association with rivers which are amongst the most hydrologically variable in the world. As rainfall in these areas is characteristically low and patchy, conditions in Australia's 'dryland' floodplains fluctuate unpredictably between extended periods of drought and huge floods that transform vast areas into wetlands, often for months at a time. Vegetation in these floodplains is commonly dominated by short grass and forb associations and patches of open succulent shrubland which are attributed with high ecological and socio-economic values due to their provision of habitat to a diverse array of terrestrial and aquatic fauna and their productive native pasture growth. In temperate and tropical floodplains, a substantial number of studies have shown that plant community composition and structure is determined primarily by flow and alterations to flow in these areas, through water extraction or river regulation, have resulted in many changes to the vegetation including loss of biodiversity and mass invasions of exotic species. Despite increasing pressure for water resource development in 'dryland' regions, relatively little is known regarding the effects of highly variable flows on the vegetation dynamics of arid floodplains, particularly in Australia. This thesis addresses this knowledge gap by examining the role of flow in the vegetation dynamics of a large arid floodplain in central Australia: the Cooper Creek floodplain. The effects of flow on plant community dynamics, from an organism level to that of the landscape, are examined across a range of spatial and temporal scales. Results are presented from a two year temporal vegetation survey during which time two flood pulse events of differing sizes occurred. A large-scale spatial survey was also conducted to determine the effects of flood history on spatial variation in plant community composition and structure. The composition of the soil seed bank and its contribution to vegetation dynamics were additionally investigated through a series of germination trials. Amongst common arid floodplain plants, life history traits that enable persistence under variable hydrological conditions were also considered via several experiments aimed at determining the effects of flow on the outcomes of various life history stages including germination, growth and dispersal. Throughout the study, results are presented for plant groups that were predefined on the basis of life form, life span and taxonomic divisions within these categories. Plant community composition and structure in the Cooper Creek floodplain exhibits significant shifts both temporally, in response to flood pulse wetting and drying, and spatially, in response to flood history. Flood pulse inundation has the potential to influence each life history stage across the range of plant groups present and the outcomes of these appear to be determined by hydrological attributes such as flood pulse timing, duration and rate of drawdown. Vegetation consequently exhibits gradual zonation on a gradient of flood frequency along which plant groups occur at predictable locations depending on their life history traits and recent hydrological conditions. A substantial proportion of species display ruderal life history traits including large, persistent soil seed banks and rapid life cycles which enable escape in time from the stresses associated with flooding and drought. These species, mostly comprising annual monocots and forbs, are widespread throughout the landscape and their presence in the extant vegetation is related primarily to the time since the last flood pulse event and the hydrological attributes of this. Perennial species, particularly shrubs, do not appear to rely similarly on the soil seed bank for recruitment and their distribution in the floodplain vegetation is likely to be determined more by their ability to tolerate either flooding or drought. Overall, this study demonstrates that flow, despite its variability, has an overriding influence on vegetation dynamics in the arid floodplain of the Cooper Creek. The spatial and temporal variability of flow maintains a heterogeneous mosaic of plant communities of differing composition and structure. Given this close relationship between flow and vegetation dynamics, anthropogenic alterations to flow are likely to result in changes to the vegetation including homogenisation of plant communities across the floodplain landscape and eventual loss of biodiversity.
Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Australian School of Environmental Studies
Full Text

Global change, increasing human population growth and urbanisation represent increasing pressures on biodiversity and ecosystem function. It is now widely recognised that conservation of existing natural fragments will not be sufficient to maintain extant biodiversity or meet conservation goals. Thus there is a major and rapidly expanding need for the practice of ecological restoration whereby degraded lands are managed to increase and maintain indigenous species. A soil seed bank germination experiment was conducted over a period of 13 weeks. This aimed to evaluate restoration values of topsoil transfer, by investigating soil seed bank similarity to standing vegetation, and exploring mechanisms to improve restoration outcomes on the Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia. This was experimentally designed to make comparisons between the soil seed bank pre and post-transfer, an aspect of topsoil transfer that has not been looked at previously. In addition sampling was conducted at two depths, with treated (smoke and heat) and non-treated trials. This study examined the similarity of the soil seed bank to standing vegetation, the effect of soil transfer, and the influence of soil spreading depth and fire related germination cues. Seventy-three per cent of germinants were found in the top 5 cm of natural (pre-transfer), soil transfer leading to mixing (no depth effect) and a reduction in germinant densities (-2472.00 germinants m-2). Treatment with germination cues (heat and smoke in concert) increased germinant densities by 1537.80 germinants m-2, however no increase in transferred soils was observed. Native annuals dominated species composition of transferred soils, contributing 68% of observed richness, with woody species only accounting for 9% overall. The similarity of the soil seed bank to the standing vegetation ranged from 15% to 19%, the higher similarity found when treatment was used. Overall topsoil transfer is a useful tool for restoration; however it must be used in conjunction with other methods, such as planting and direct seeding, to return a representative set of species to a site

Soil seed banks are a reservoir of viable seeds present in the soil in plant communities. They have been studied and characterized in various ways in different habitats. However, these studies are limited to modern seed banks. This study extends seed bank studies to the Paleozoic Era. It was hypothesized that size distribution and seed density in Paleozoic seed banks exhibit similar patterns as in modern seed banks. Seed sizes and seed density of fossil seed from Wise Virginia were estimated. Modern seed bank information was obtained from published data. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test. The Paleozoic size distribution was predominated by larger seeds and the estimated seed density of 19 200 seeds m-3 falls within the range of modern seed banks but at a higher end of modern seed bank densities. During the Paleozoic they were sufficient to insure regeneration of these economically important forests.

The most recent surveys in South Africa estimate that invasions are still increasing, despite substantial clearing efforts. Riparian systems in South Africa are particularly vulnerable to invasion by woody IAPs. This thesis addresses the restoration of alien‐invaded riparian systems, by investigating the factors that facilitate or constrain spontaneous recovery and influence the trajectories of succession. These factors include invasion history and management history, especially the use of fire. A seedling emergence approach was used to test the presence of a viable pre‐fire seedbank, and the effect of fire on the seed bank. The efficacy of some active restoration interventions was also tested, with the aim to return invasion‐resistant, indigenous vegetation with a structure and function representative of uninvaded sites. The findings of this study indicated the presence of a viable and persistent riparian soil seed bank, even after 30 years of intermtittent invasion as well as two fire cycles under invasion. It shows that the management practice of fell‐and‐burn resulted in high soil temperatures, and that this reduced the indigenous soil seed bank density, especially in the upper soil layer. Clear germination sequences and patterns of emergence over time for different species were observed during this study, with many species exhibiting delayed emergence relative to the timing of the fire event. It is proposed that manipulation of the season of fire could be used to selectively optimise the order of arrival and therefore superior recruitment of some species over others in the Eastern Cape fynbos, and thus alter the trajectories of recovery of vegetation towards a more desired state. Active restoration in the form of indigenous seed and plant additions resulted in a significantly higher indigenous cover after seven months, compared to a control (passive restoration) or restoring with grass. Indigenous cover and composition was also strongly influenced by lateral zonation, and some key guilds and species were missing or present in much lower densities compared to reference sites. Grass restoration significantly suppressed the regeneration of A. longifolia, as well as the regeneration of indigenous species. Biotic resistance can thus be achieved through restoration, and it could be a powerful tool in the management of IAPs, although the deliberate introduction of grass after clearing in fynbos also reduces biodiversity and could have unforeseen consequences to riparian function.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de NÃvel Superior
O presente trabalho tem como objetivo conhecer os atributos do banco de sementes no solo e verificar quais desses refletem melhor a regeneraÃÃo da caatinga em Ãreas de desertificaÃÃo. Para tanto, investigou-se o banco de sementes no final da estaÃÃo seca, em uma Ãrea de caatinga em processo de degradaÃÃo/desertificaÃÃo, no municÃpio de IrauÃuba, CearÃ. Foram analisados os atributos densidade, composiÃÃo, diversidade e riqueza de espÃcies e cinÃtica de germinaÃÃo. As coletas foram realizadas em trÃs Ãreas, nas fazendas Formigueiro, Cacimba Salgada I e Cacimba Salgada II. Em cada Ãrea foi amostrado o banco de sementes no solo na parcela experimental (pousio) e na parcela em uso contÃnuo (controle). Cada parcela de cada Ãrea foi subdividida em dezesseis parcelas de 10x10m, das quais foram sorteadas cinco para estudo do banco de sementes no solo. No centro de cada uma das cinco parcelas de 100m2 foi retirada amostra de solo de 0,25m2 de Ãrea. A densidade e a composiÃÃo do banco de sementes no solo foram analisadas atravÃs da tÃcnica de emergÃncia de plÃntulas em casa de vegetaÃÃo. O banco foi composto prioritariamente por terÃfitos. As densidades encontradas foram 592, 1804, 2080 sem/m2 para as parcelas experimentais 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente e 680, 1288 e 1408 sem/m2, para as parcelas controle 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente. No parÃmetro riqueza, foram encontrados iguais valores para as parcelas experimento e controle (8 e 2 para as Ãreas 1 e 2, respectivamente), a Ãrea 3 apresentou maior riqueza na parcela em pousio (15 e 10 para as parcelas controle e experimento, respectivamente). Os valores de equabilidade nas parcelas experimento foram de 0,751, 0,041 e 0,740 para as Ãreas 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente, e de 0,613, 0,054 e 0,603 para as Ãreas 1, 2 e 3 das parcelas controle. Em relaÃÃo à diversidade, os valores para as parcelas experimentais 1, 2 e 3 foram 1,562, 0,028, 2,004, respectivamente, e 1274, 0,038 e 1,388 para as parcelas controle, 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente, o que revela uma maior diversidade nas Ãreas em pousio, com exceÃÃo da Ãrea 2. Os aumentos da diversidade e da densidade demonstram a ocorrÃncia de regeneraÃÃo do componente herbÃceo nas Ãreas em pousio.
The objective of this study is to gather knowledge about the attributes of a seed bank at soil level and to verify which of these attributes reflect the best regeneration of the caatinga in areas of desertification. In order to do that, we investigated the seed bank at the end of the dry season in a area of caatinga suffering the process of degradation/desertification, at the municipality of IrauÃuba, CearÃ. We analysed the attributes of density, composition, diversity and richness of species as well as germination dynamics. The collections were realized in three areas, at Formigueiro, Cacimba Salgada I and Cacimba Salgada II farms. In each area, we sampled a seed bank at soil level in the experimental portion (fallow) and at the continuous use portion (control). Each portion of each area was divided in sixteen portions of 10 x 10 m, from which were drawn five portions for the study of the seed bank at soil level. In the center of each one of the five portions of 100 m2, a soil sample of 0,25 m2 was removed. The density and the composition of the seed bank at the soil level were analysed using the plantule outgrowth in greenhouse. The bank was composed primarily by therophytes. The densities found were 592, 1804, 2080 seeds/m2 for the experimental portions 1, 2 and 3, respectively, and 680, 1288 and 1408 seeds/m2 for the control portions 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Regarding the richness parameter, we found equal values for both the experimental and control portions (8 and 2 for areas 1 and 2, respectively); area 3 presented greater richness in the fallow portion (15 and 10 for the control and experimental portions, respectively). The equability values of the experimental portions were equal to 0,751, 0,041 and 0,740 for areas 1,2 and 3 respectively and of 0,613, 0,054 and 0,603 for areas 1,2 and 3 of the control portions. Regarding diversity, the values for the experimental portions 1, 2 and 3 were 1,562, 0,028 and 2,004, respectively, and 1274, 0,038 and 1,388 for the control portions 1,2 and 3, respectively, which reveals a major diversity for the areas of fallow, with exception of area 2. The raising diversity and density demonstrate the occurrence of regeneration of the herbaceous component in the fallow areas.

Astragalus ampullarioides and A. holmgreniorum are two rare endemics of southwestern Utah. Over two consecutive field seasons (2009-2010) we examined pre-emergent reproductive success, based on F/F and S/O ratios, from populations of both Astragalus ampullarioides and A. holmgreniorum, estimated the density of the soil seed bank of A. holmgreniorum as a measure of potential post-emergent reproductive success, and estimated seed persistence within the soil seed bank. Fruit/flower (F/F) ratios and seed/ovule (S/O) ratios varied significantly between populations and among years in both species, and showed low reproductive output in both taxa. In Astragalus ampullarioides F/F and S/O were 0.06±0.01 and 0.16±0.02, respectively (2009), and 0.14±0.01 and 0.41±0.02, respectively (2010). For Astragalus holmgreniorum F/F and S/O ratios were 0.11±0.01 and 0.38±0.02, respectively (2009), and 0.23±0.01 and 0.66±0.02, respectively (2010). Although Astragalus holmgreniorum exhibited a low soil seed bank density (4.3 seeds m-2), seed persistence data showed low a low percentage of seeds germinated during the first year in the soil seed bank. Seeds remaining in the seed bank maintained high percent viability. Soil seed persistence of Astragalus ampullarioides differed from A. holmgreniorum in that a high percentage of seeds germinated during the first year in the soil seed bank. A high percentage of viability in ungerminated seeds was also maintained in A. ampullarioides. Although these species differ in life histories and dependence on soil seed banks, an understanding of the strategies unique to each species will prove useful in management plans.

Within the last two decades substantial progress has been made in understanding seed bank dynamics and the contribution of the soil seed bank to a post-disturbance plant community. There has been relatively little progress, however, in understanding perennial bud bank dynamics and the contribution of the soil bud bank to secondary succession. This lack of information is due primarily to the inability to reliably identify roots, rhizomes, and lignotubers that lie dormant beneath the soil surface. This scientific investigation, therefore, addressed the issue of identification of belowground woody structures. The first objective was to develop a methodology that utilizes molecular tools to reliably identify woody plant species from subsoil tissue samples. The second objective was to create a key in which molecular markers serve as criteria for identification and differentiation of selected tree and shrub species common to the mountains of northeast Oregon and southeast Washington. Application of restricted fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis on polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified rbcL gene products proved to be a reliable method to identify and differentiate 15 plants to the genus level. Two restriction enzymes, DPN II and Hha I, cut (or do not cut) the PCR-rbcL product into one to six fragments. Fragment number and length are used to develop an identification key. Plants not analyzed in this key may share the same banding patterns , resulting in a false-positive identification of unknowns. Future research needs and management implications are discussed.

A herbivoria em pastagens naturais apresenta papel de destaque no direcionamento das dinâmicas vegetacionais, determinando modificações na estrutura da vegetação, nos padrões de biodiversidade e na produtividade do sistema. Essas alterações, que de modo geral contribuem para a sustentabilidade dos ecossistemas em níveis moderados de intensidade de pastejo, podem dar origem a processos de degradação ambiental quando a lotação animal utilizada é superior à capacidade de suporte das pastagens. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a capacidade de recuperação dos padrões de diversidade, composição botânica, biomassa de forragem, altura do pasto, interceptação luminosa e do banco de sementes de uma pastagem natural degradada por sobrepastejo, por meio do diferimento, tomando como base uma área de referência. Três tratamentos baseados em exclusões estacionais do pastejo (Diferimento de Primavera, Diferimento de Outono e Pastoreio Contínuo) com três repetições foram aplicados simultaneamente em áreas manejadas por um longo período com duas intensidades de pastejo: severa e moderada (utilizada como área de referência). A pastagem manejada com pastejo severo apresentou rápida alteração na composição botânica e nos padrões de diversidade em resposta ao diferimento. Depois de dois anos de exclusões temporárias do pastejo, a composição botânica da vegetação estabelecida e do banco de sementes dessa área sofreu alterações nos grupos funcionais de gramíneas na direção das espécies características da comunidade vegetal sob pastejo moderado. Também foram verificados importantes incrementos na biomassa de forragem, altura e interceptação luminosa. A comunidade vegetal sob pastejo moderado apresentou maior equilíbrio entre diferentes grupos funcionais de plantas, especialmente entre espécies com hábitos de crescimento prostrado e cespitoso. Essa condição favoreceu o aparecimento de estrutura espacial na distribuição das espécies de plantas, maior diversidade, riqueza e melhores condições estruturais do pasto. O diferimento realizado na moderada intensidade de pastejo proporcionou dominância de espécies cespitosas, determinando decréscimo na diversidade e riqueza de plantas. As épocas de diferimento apresentaram padrões de resposta semelhantes dentro de cada intensidade de pastejo, com magnitude superior para o diferimento de primavera. Os resultados revelam a importância do diferimento do pastejo como uma ferramenta para a recuperação de pastagens degradadas por sobrepastejo.
The herbivory on natural grasslands has a prominent role in driving vegetation dynamics, determining changes in vegetation structure, biodiversity patterns and primary and secondary productivity. These changes, which generally contribute to the ecosystems sustainability at moderate grazing intensities, can cause environmental degradation when the stocking rate used is higher than the pasture carrying capacity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of temporary grazing exclusion to restore diversity, botanical composition, forage biomass, sward height, light interception and soil seed bank from a natural grassland degraded by overgrazing based on a reference area. Three treatments based on seasonal grazing exclusions (spring deferment, autumn deferment and continuous stocking) with three replications were applied simultaneously in areas managed for a long period with two grazing intensities: severe and moderate (used as reference area). The pasture managed under severe grazing showed a rapid change in botanical composition and diversity patterns in response to grazing exclusions. After two years of temporary grazing exclusions, grass functional groups of the established vegetation and soil seed bank from overgrazed pasture changed toward the characteristic species of plant community under moderate grazing. We also verified significant increases in forage biomass, sward height and light interception. The plant community under moderate grazing intensity showed better balance between different functional groups of plants, especially among species with prostrate and cespitose growth habits. This condition favored the spatial structure of appearance in the distribution of plant species, greater diversity, species richness and better structural pasture conditions. The grazing exclusion in moderate intensity grazing provided dominance tussock species, determining decrease in the diversity and richness of plants. The deferment periods showed similar response patterns within each grazing intensity with higher magnitude for spring deferment. These results reveal the importance of grazing exclusion as a tool for the recovery of degraded pastures by overgrazing.

The conversion of sagebrush-steppe communities of the Great Basin into cheatgrass-dominated communities is one of the most dramatic ongoing land conversions in North America. Although restoration of these communities is a high priority to landowners and land management agencies, restoration of native vegetation is difficult. Several restoration treatments intended to increase the success of aerially‐seeded perennial grasses in cheatgrass-invaded sagebrush ecosystems were assessed to determine their effects on perennial seedling emergence and soil seed bank density and composition. Assessed restoration treatments were: 1) vegetation manipulation (sagebrush thinning and prescribed burning); 2) imazapic herbicide application; 3) seedbed amendments (aerial seeding with activated carbon addition, aerial seeding with sucrose addition); and 4) seeding frequency. The effects of these treatments were evaluated in two distinct sagebrush shrubland ecosystems in northern Utah. One is characterized as a remnant sagebrush stand with a cheatgrass-dominated understory and the other as a cheatgrass near-monoculture, completely lacking a sagebrush component. In the seed bank study, responses were assessed immediately and 1 year following treatment while in the seedling emergence study, they were assessed 2 and 3 years following treatment. Main effects of vegetation manipulation, herbicide application, and seedbed addition treatments and their interactions on perennial seedling emergence are described in Chapter 2. The effects of seeding frequency on perennial seedling emergence are also described in Chapter 2. Herbicide demonstrated potential for increasing native perennial grass emergence, although this response was delayed and not seen until 3 years post-application. Burning showed potential for increasing the emergence of perennial grasses 2 years post-burn. Results also suggest that potential exists to increase native perennial grass emergence through an increase in seeding frequency. In Chapter 3 I evaluated the effects of vegetation manipulation, herbicide application, and seedbed addition on seed pool dynamics. These results suggest that herbicide and sucrose may be useful tools for reducing exotic species richness in cheatgrass-invaded systems. Herbicide also showed potential for reducing cheatgrass seed bank densities. Additionally, results demonstrated that the reductions in cheatgrass seed bank densities observed immediately after fire are still observed 1 year post-burn.

The soil seed bank in Agathis australis (D. Don) Lindl. (kauri) forests of northern New Zealand is quantified, and its potential role in secondary successions examined. Seed bank data from a number of kauri forest sites stratified by successional time and distance from forest edges are summarized using Detrended Correspondence Analysis (ordination) and linear regression models. A number of issues concerning secondary successions and the soil seed bank are discussed. These include: 1. The relationship between the soil seed bank and extant vegetation. 2. The nature of the soil seed bank and successional time. 3. The nature of the soil seed bank and distance from forest edges. 4. The soil seed bank, canopy gaps and gap regeneration strategies. 5. The nature of the soil seed bank and soil properties. 6. The fruiting phenology, seed rain, and soil seed bank dynamics. The forest sites ranged from 50 years to over 1,000 years old, while distance from forest edges ranged from 0.2 km to 3.5 km. Soil seed bank densities under kauri forests were 134 - 5,388 seeds m-2 with a mean density of 1,320±217 seeds m-2 which is similar to estimates reported for temperate and tropical forest sites elsewhere. The spatial distribution of seeds in the seed bank both within and between sites is highly variable. A total of 6,062 seedlings emerged from the seed bank samples. This represented 62 vascular plant species, 26 (42%) native woody, 19 (30%) native weedy, 16 (26) adventive weedy and 1 (2%) native fern. The species composition of the soil seed bank was not closely related to extant vegetation and only 11%ot canopy and 13% of understorey species were represented in the soil seed bank. Thus, 77% of extant vegetation at any given site is floristically different from that of the soil seed bank. Ordination of the data by detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) suggested that extant vegetation (canopy and understorey) and the soil seed bank contain characteristic floras. The species composition of the seed bank is variable between sites. The viable seed pool is larger under young successional forests than under older mature forests. The number of species also declined with distance from forest edges. Adventive and native weedy species were found in seed banks under mature forests and sites of considerable distances from forest edges. However, the density of the weedy species component of the soil seed bank was at least partly determined by distance from forest edges where such species are common. While buried seed is likely to contribute to the early stages of secondary succession, evidence from canopy gaps suggested that the seedling bank (formerly suppressed understorey component) is more important in gap regeneration than the soil seed bank. DCA analysis revealed that seedling bank species composition of canopy gaps and forest sites were quite different from the soil seed banks, indicating that regeneration stemmed from formerly (suppressed) understorey seedlings. Phenology and seed rain study of a mature forest remnant and a regenerating forest community showed that as little as 5% of the seed input to the forest floor enters the soil seed bank and remains viable for more than one year. Evidence is presented to suggest that in a forest community, secondary succession after large-scale or localised disturbance, is achieved more so by suppressed seedlings and recent seed rain than the soil seed bank. The soil seed bank becomes significant in secondary succession when the subsoil is disturbed by the uprooting of trees or the forest floor is exposed by tree-fall (not covered by tree-fall debris).

Em empresas florestais que plantam florestas de rápido crescimento voltadas ao abastecimento industrial, é comum, hoje em dia, a existência de áreas de plantios comerciais que devem ser revertidos para áreas de vegetação natural. Entretanto, dependendo das condições locais e do contexto da paisagem, nem sempre os processos naturais de regeneração são suficientes para garantir que a vegetação natural se desenvolva e se auto-sustente nessas áreas. Este estudo avaliou os processos de regeneração natural e a efetividade de algumas técnicas de restauração florestal para indicar a melhor estratégia aplicável em larga escala, em áreas anteriormente manejadas com as culturas de Eucalyptus sp e Pinus sp, que foram abandonadas com o intuito de serem incorporadas como reservas legais. O projeto foi desenvolvido no município de Borebi, SP, em duas fazendas, sendo uma em ecossistema de cerrado latu sensu e outra de floresta estacional semidecidual. Em cada área foi instalado um experimento em blocos ao acaso, com cinco repetições e cinco tratamentos, com parcelas de 30 x 30m. Os tratamentos foram: T1: controle, T2: semeadura direta de dez espécies florestais de rápido crescimento; T3: plantio convencional de 19 espécies florestais de crescimento lento, médio e rápido; T4: condução da regeneração natural através de tratos silviculturais e T5: picagem da cobertura vegetal e revolvimento do solo. A regeneração natural de indivíduos lenhosos existente foi levantada em duas classes: altura a 1,30 m (parcela toda) e altura > que 0,50m e < que 1,30m (em três subparcelas de 1 x 30m ), antes e após (12 meses) a implantação dos tratamentos. O banco de sementes do solo foi amostrado antes da instalação e duas vezes após, e o solo superficial retirado de uma área de 315cm² e profundidade de 5cm, formando duas amostras compostas por parcela. Para a chuva de sementes foram instalados cinco coletores por parcela, com dimensões de 0,50 x 0,50m cada. Tanto o banco como a chuva de sementes apresentaram baixa porcentagem de espécies lenhosas e alta densidade de algumas espécies herbáceas invasoras. A regeneração natural apresentou espécies típicas da fase inicial da sucessão, com predomínio de espécies não constituintes. A maior similaridade na composição das espécies ocorreu na comparação entre a vegetação e a chuva de sementes e a menor na comparação da vegetação com o banco de sementes. O tratamento T4 (condução da regeneração) apresentou efeito significativo na área basal, densidade, número de espécies e diversidade de espécies da regeneração natural, em ambas as áreas, após 12 meses de implantação, mostrando-se mais viável ecologicamente e economicamente em relação aos demais.
In Forest Companies that cultivate fast-growing forest species for industrial supply, it has been usual the existence of commercial production areas that need to be converted in protected areas with native vegetation. Nevertheless, depending on local conditions and landscape context, the natural regeneration process is not enough to guarantee the successional development This work aimed at investigating the natural regeneration process and the effectiveness of some forest restoration techniques to be applied in large scale in, former Eucalyptus sp and Pinus sp plantations, which were abandoned to be incorporated as protected areas. The project was developed at Borebi municipality, SP, in two forest farms, one comprising latu sensu savana formations, and the other corresponding to seasonal semideciduous forest. In each experimental area a complete randomized block experiment with five treatments and five replicates was installed, with 30 x 30 m plots. The treatments were: T1: control; T2: direct seeding of 10 fast growing forest species; T3: conventional planting of 19 species with different growth characteristics; T4: management of natural regeneration by silvicultural treatments; T5: tillage of ground vegetation cover and plowing. Natural regeneration was surveyed before and 12 months after the experiment installation, when all woody individuals with height 1.30m were measured; the individuals with height 0.50m and <1.30m were surveyed in three 1 x 30m subplots within each plot. The soil seed bank was sampled before and two times after the treatments, were 315cm² and 5cm depth samples formed 2 composite samples by each plot. Seed rain was studied by five 0,50 x 0,50m litter traps installed in each plot. The soil seed bank and seed rain had a low percentage of woody species and high density of some nonconstituent invasive herbaceous species. The natural regeneration showed a predominance of early successional species, but was dominated by nonconstituent species. The higher similarity in species composition occurred between the natural regeneration and the seed rain, and the smaller between the natural regeneration and the soil seed bank. The regeneration management treatment (T4) showed a significant effect in basal area, density, species diversity and species richness of natural regeneration after 12 months, indicating to be the most viable ecologically and economically in comparison with the other, for the local conditions.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
Espécies invasoras são aquelas capazes de se estabelecer em áreas além de sua ocorrência natural, ultrapassando barreiras geográficas e constituindo novas populações viáveis. A introdução de gramíneas africanas no Cerrado, como Melinis minutiflora P. Beauv e Urochloa brizantha (Stapf) R.D. Webster, pode levar a uma baixa heterogeneidade do sistema, deixando-o mais suscetível a distúrbios ambientais, alterando o equilíbrio da comunidade e os serviços ecossistêmicos. Em sistemas frequentemente perturbados, clareiras são criadas na paisagem e novas espécies são recrutadas para colonizar o espaço aberto, processo esse regido pelo nicho da regeneração. Espera-se que estes nichos se sobressaiam nas espécies invasoras em relação às espécies nativas, conferindo-lhes vantagens adaptativas na colonização desses espaços. Dessa maneira, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a dinâmica do banco de sementes de gramíneas em áreas com e sem invasão biológica, além de avaliar diferentes fatores que influenciam a germinação de gramíneas nativas. A área de estudo está inserida na Estação Ecológica de Itirapina, onde até 1998 havia uma plantação de Pinus caribaea, a qual foi removida e desde então a área está sob regeneração natural, sem interferência, com alto grau de invasão por gramíneas africanas. No primeiro capítulo, as amostras de solo foram coletadas nas parcelas experimentais controle do projeto da Profa. Dra. Alessandra Fidelis (FAPESP 2015/06743-0), delineado então parcelas com três tratamentos: dominada por uma das duas espécies invasoras, Melinis minutiflora e Urochloa brizantha, e parcelas com domínio de vegetação nativa (4parcelas/tratamento= 12 unidades amostrais). No segundo capítulo, as sementes de gramíneas nativas foram coletadas na Estação Ecológica de Itirapina e na Reserva Natural Serra do Tombador, triadas em laboratório e submetidas a tratamentos de flutuação de temperatura, simulando a oscilação de temperatura diária sobre a superfície do solo, e choques de temperatura simulando a passagem do fogo. O conhecimento mais detalhado sobre o banco de sementes em áreas invadidas é fundamental para elaboração de práticas de controle e manejo dessas espécies. Além disso, a germinação e viabilidade das sementes de gramíneas nativas são fatores importantes tanto para elucidar a regeneração natural via semente, compreendendo processos ecológicos relacionados à quebra da dormência fisiológica, quanto para aplicação de métodos físicos de restauração do Cerrado, como a semeadura direta.
Invasive species are those capable of establishing themselves in areas beyond its natural occurrence, surpassing geographical barriers and constituting new populations. The introduction of African grasses in Cerrado, Melinis minutiflora P. Beauv and Urochloa brizantha (Stapf) R.D. Webster, may low heterogeneity of the system, making it more susceptible to altering the balance of the community and ecosystems. In frequently disturbed systems, clearings are created in the landscape and new species are recruited to colonize the open space, which is governed by the regeneration niche. These niches are expected to be better in invasive species in relation to native species, giving them adaptive advantages in the colonization of these spaces. In this way, the objective of the study was to evaluate the dynamics of grasslands in areas with and without biological invasion, in addition to evaluating different factors that influence the germination of native grasses. The study area is located in the Estação Ecológica de Itirapina, where until 1998 there was a plantation of Pinus caribaea, which has been removed and since then the area is under natural regeneration, without interference, with a high invasion of Urochloa brizantha and Melinis minutiflora. In the first chapter, the soil samples were collected in the control plots of the project of Profa. Dr. Alessandra Fidelis (FAPESP 2015 / 06743-0), outlined then plots with three treatments: dominated by one of the two invasive species, Urochloa brizantha and Melinis minutiflora, and plots with dominance of native vegetation (4plots / treatment = 12 sample units). In the second chapter, grass seeds were collected at Estação Ecológica de Itirapina and in Reserva Natural Serra do Tombador, triads in the laboratory and submitted to treatments of temperature fluctuation, simulating the daily temperature oscillation on the soil surface, and heat shock simulating the passage of fire. More detailed knowledge about the soil seed bank in invaded areas is fundamental for the elaboration of practices of control and management of these species. In addition, the germination and viability of native grass seeds are important factors both to elucidate the natural regeneration through seed, comprising ecological processes related to break physiological dormancy of seed, and for application of physical methods of restoration of Cerrado, such as direct sowing.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES
Many researches have been focused on reforestation projects, taking advantages on the self recuperation mechanism of the frorest such as seed rain, soil seed bank and seedling banks. Seed rain is an initial process which develops the dynamic, organization and structuration of the forest. However, the seed bank is one of the most important factors for natural recolonization of affected areas which start the succession process. Through this natural regeneration, a set of individuals are able to be recruited to the upper stages. In this way, the present study was performed aiming to evaluate the plant species establishment strategies through natural regeneration, in an area in the city of Laranjeiras-SE. Thirty plots were installed, and in center of these plots, collectors were installed (1m x 1m) to estimate the seed rain. To characterize the seed bank, was collected from August 2014 (corresponding to the rainy season in the region) to February 2015 (dry season), a soil sample from the center of each subplot (1m x 1m) through a metal jig which was introduced into the soil to remove a 5 cm layer. In the seedling bank evaluation, height and diameter of seedlings were analyzed between August 2014 (rainy season) and Februare 2015 (dry season) in subplots (1m x 1m). In seed rain were found 7,788 seeds, in which Shinus terebinthifollius Raddi (aroeira) presented a higher number of seeds collected with 6,799 samples and its frequency was 87.84% in relation with others species. The autochoric syndrome of dispersion was observed to Centrosema brasilianum (L.) Benth., Fabaceae 2 and Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan, for Asteraceae 1 and Bignoniaceae 1 the dispersion syndrome observed was anemocoric and to Schinus terebinthifollius and Passiflora mansoi (Mart.) Mast, the dispersion syndrome was zoochoric. In the study of seed bank, it was found a total of 171 seeds. The seed bank analyzes by the rainy season and dry season, Schinus terebinthifollius prevailed with more individuals in the rainy season. However, Fabaceae sp prevailed in the dry season. The distribution of species per plot was heterogeneous in both seasons, but presented a better distribution in the rainy season. In the study of seedlings bank, samples were found belonging to seven families and thirteen species. Shinus terebinthifollius represented 28% of total specimen, followed by Genipa Americana L. with 20%. The rainy season showed better seedling distribution along the plots. The processes of natural regeneration at studied area have presented a diversity of species into three regeneration kinds evaluated in different fructification seasons, establishing int this way, a steady supply of seeds, enabling the development of new individuals for future process.
Inúmeras pesquisas têm sido voltadas a projetos de reflorestamentos, aproveitando o próprio mecanismo de recuperação da floresta como chuvas de sementes, bancos de sementes do solo e bancos de plântulas. A chuva de sementes é um processo inicial que desenvolve a dinâmica, organização e estruturação da floresta. No entanto, o banco de sementes é um dos fatores mais importantes para a recolonização natural das áreas afetadas dando início ao processo sucessional. Por meio dessa regeneração natural, um conjunto de indivíduos são capazes de ser recrutados para os estádios superiores. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho foi realizado objetivando avaliar as estratégias de estabelecimentos das espécies vegetais por meio da regeneração natural, numa área em reflorestamento, no município de Laranjeiras-SE. Foram instaladas 30 parcelas, e no centro dessas parcelas foram instalados coletores (1m x 1m) para estimar a chuva de sementes. Para a caracterização do banco de sementes, foi coletada, no mês de agosto de 2014 (correspondente a estação chuvosa na região) e fevereiro de 2015 (estação seca), uma amostra de solo no centro de cada subparcela (1m x 1m), através de um gabarito metálico que foi introduzido no solo para remover uma camada de 5 cm. Na avaliação do banco de plântulas, foram realizadas análises de altura e diâmetro das plântulas, entre agosto de 2014 (estação chuvosa) a fevereiro de 2015 (estação seca), em subparcelas (1m x 1m). Na chuva de sementes foram encontradas 7.788 sementes, dentre as quais a espécie Schinus terebinthifollius Raddi (aroeira) apresentou maior número de sementes coletadas, com 6.799 amostras possuindo frequência de 87,84% em relação as outras espécies. A síndrome de dispersão autocórica foi observada para as espécies Centrosema brasilianum (L.) Benth., Fabaceae 2 e Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan, para Asteraceae 1 e Bignoniaceae 1 a síndrome de dispersão observada foi anemocorórica e para as espécies Schinus terebinthifollius e Passiflora mansoi (Mart.) Mast, a síndrome de dispersão presente foi a zoocórica. No estudo do banco de sementes, foi encontrado um total de 171 sementes. Nas análises por estação chuvosa e seca do banco de sementes, a espécie Schinus terebinthifollius prevaleceu com maior número de indivíduos na estação chuvosa. Contudo, prevaleceu a espécie Fabaceae 1 na estação seca. A distribuição das espécies por parcela foi heterogênea em ambas as estações, porém apresentou uma melhor distribuição no período chuvoso. No estudo do banco de plântulas, foram encontradas amostras pertencentes a sete famílias e treze espécies. A espécie Schinus terebinthifollius representou 28% dos espécimes amostrados, seguida por Genipa americana L. com 20%. Na estação chuvosa houve uma melhor distribuição de plântulas ao longo das parcelas. O processo de regeneração natural da área de estudo apresentou uma diversidade de espécies nas três formas de regeneração avaliadas com diferentes épocas de frutificação, estabelecendo assim, uma constante oferta de sementes, viabilizando o desenvolvimento de novos indivíduos para processos futuros.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES
Due to the current degradation of forests, researches have been performed to understand the natural regeneration process of these areas. Regeneration from seeds stored in the soil seed bank is an important strategy on the ecosystems dynamics. Soil seed bank can present different in time and space and vary in relation to the different phytophysiognomies or microhabitats in an area and vary in response to the influence of precipitation in environments with a high seasonality. Therefore, this study aims to detect the influence of variables like different phytophysiognomies, depths of seed deposition in the soil and climatic seasons on the species richness and seed density in the soil seed bank of three phytophysiognomies of Araripe National Forest, Ceará, Brazil. Soil seed bank samples was performed in cerrado sensu strictu, cerradão and semideciduous seasonal forest (humid forest) at the end of the rainy and dry seasons where, in each, it was collected 50 samples of litter and mineral soil (0-5 cm depth). To determine species richness and composition and seed bank density, it was performed the seedling emergence method. GLM was used to verify the influence of phytophysiognomies, depths and seasons on the richness and seed density. To detect differences in the mean values of richness and density it was performed a post-hoc Tukey test (5%). A NMDS was used to compare the seed bank structure between phytophysiognomies and the similarities was verified with ANOSIM test. SIMPER function was used to indicate the contribution percentage of each species for the dissimilarity between samples. It was registered 24, 29 e 30 species and 174, 261 and 399 seeds.m-2 in cerrado, cerradão and humid forest seed banks, respectively. In cerrado and humid forest, both species richness and seed density, is in the litter or in the soil, did not differ among climatic seasons. In cerradão, both species richness and seed density observed in the mineral soil were significantly different among seasons. Depth shows a higher explanatory power on the variation of species richness (50.63%) and seed density (22.73%), followed by phytophysiognomy (8.95% and 4.18%, respectively for the species richness and seed density). Only the variable climatic season in a given year did not allow to predict the seed density variation and their low influence power on the species richness leads to suggest that the occurrence of a seasonal pattern and its interaction with others variables is complex, making it difficult to understand the soil seed bank dynamic in forests.
Devido à atual degradação das formações florestais, pesquisas têm sido realizadas para conhecer os processos naturais de regeneração dessas áreas. A regeneração a partir de sementes armazenadas no banco do solo é um importante artifício na dinâmica dos ecossistemas e pode apresentar-se diferente no tempo e no espaço, podendo variar em relação às diferentes fitofisionomias ou microhabitats existentes em uma determinada área, assim como por influência dos totais pluviométricos, em ambientes com marcada sazonalidade, por exemplo. Desse modo, o presente estudo pretende detectar a influência de variáveis como diferentes fitofisionomias, profundidades de deposição da semente no solo e estações climáticas e suas diferenças sobre a riqueza de espécies e densidade de sementes no banco de sementes do solo em três fitofisionomias da Floresta Nacional do Araripe, Ceará, Brasil. A amostragem do banco de sementes do solo foi realizada em áreas de cerrado sensu stricto, cerradão e floresta estacional semidecidual (mata úmida) no final das estações chuvosa e seca onde, em cada uma delas, foram coletadas 50 amostras de serrapilheira e de solo (0-5 cm de profundidade). Para determinação da riqueza e composição de espécies e densidade do banco de sementes foi realizado o experimento de emergência de plântulas. A influência das fitofisionomias, profundidades e estações sobre a riqueza e densidade de sementes foi verificada através do GLM e para detectar diferenças nos valores médios de riqueza e densidade, foi aplicado o teste de Tukey a posteriori (5%). Para comparar a estrutura do banco de sementes entre fitofisionomias foi realizado um NMDS e a similaridade entre as amostras foi verificada através do teste ANOSIM. A função SIMPER foi utilizada para indicar o percentual de contribuição de cada espécie para a dissimilaridade entre as amostras. Foram registradas 24, 29 e 30 espécies e 174, 261 e 399 sem.m-2 no banco de sementes do cerrado, cerradão e mata úmida, respectivamente. No cerrado e na mata úmida, tanto a riqueza de espécies quanto a densidade de sementes seja na serrapilheira ou no solo não diferiu entre estações climáticas. No cerradão, a riqueza de espécies e a densidade de sementes encontrada no solo foram significativamente diferentes entre as estações. A profundidade exerceu um maior poder de explicação sobre a variação de riqueza de espécies (50,63%) e densidade de sementes (22,73%), seguido da variável fitofisionomia (8,95% e 4,18%, respectivamente para a riqueza de espécies e densidade de sementes). Apenas a variável estação climática em um determinado ano não permitiu predizer a variação da densidade de sementes e o seu baixo poder de influência sobre a riqueza de espécies leva a sugerir que a ocorrência de um padrão sazonal e sua interação com outras variáveis é complexa, dificultando a compreensão sobre a dinâmica do banco de sementes do solo das florestas.

This study evaluated the phitosociology of the Mixed Rain Forest and its mechanisms of regeneration (seeding banks, seed rain and soil seed bank). The data were collected in six conglomerates, being every one subdivided in 16 parcels of 20m x 20m. In the Chapter I it was studied the adult vegetation, where the tree and shrub species with circumference at the height of the chest equal or bigger than 30 cm were identified and measured. The species were classified in ecological groups and, on the basis of the density data, it was made an analysis of the grouping using the TWINSPAR method (Two-Way Indicattor Species Analysis). The groupings were characterized in relation to their horizontal structure. On the area, they 86 species were identified, being 18 pioneers, 25 secondary initials, 16 secondary delayed, 14 climax, and 13 were classified in more than one group. Three groupings were characterized (G1, G2 nd G3), in which gained special prominence the species Siphoneugena reitzii, Araucaria angustifolia and Sebastiania commersoniana, respectively in environments of hillside, of emergent trees and humid environments. In the chapter II based in the groupings formed in the adult vegetation, it was evaluated the mechanisms of regeneration. The seed rain was evaluated during the months of January to December of 2007, by means of the disposition of 96 collectors of 1 m2, in which it was observed the significant difference among the three groups in the quantity of seeds dispersed. In the study of the soil seed bank which was held through the collect of 5 cm of ground (taking out the burlap), it was observed that the group G1 showed significant difference in the quantity of storaged seeds in relation to groups G2 and G3. Seeding banks was showed in 72 showing unities of 2 m x 2 m, in which all the individuals with a size equal or bigger than 20 cm and DAP equal or lesser than 1 cm were identified and counted. The statistic analysis showed that, quantitatively, there was a significant difference among the three groups in relation to numbers of individuals in the seeding bank. For the joint analyses of the adult vegetation and mechanisms of regeneration, it is concluded, initially that the seeding bank, for having presented a bigger similarity with the vegetation, it can be the principal strategy of the maintenance of this forest. The seed rain is a basic strategy to the maintenance of the seeding bank. The seed bank didn´t present a flower potential for substituting the species present in the tree vegetation after alteration of the forest, being an essential strategy to the initial reestablishment of the area., due to the high density of the herbaceous plants. It was considered as tree basic species Araucaria angustifolia, Siphoneugena reitzii, llex brevicuspis, Podocarpus lambertii e Vernonia discolor, in hillside environments; Araucaria angustifolia, Casearia decandra, Blepharocalyx salicifolius, llex paraguariensis and Sebastiania brasiliensis in emergent tree environments; Araucaria angustifolia, Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Cryptocarya aschersoniana, llex brevicuspis, Sebastiania commersoinana e Siphoneugena reitzii in lands of bigger moistness. Through these informations one gives credit that such species will have greater possibility of stablishment in places with similar environment characteristics.
Este estudo avaliou a fitossociologia de Floresta Ombrófila Mista e os seus mecanismos de regeneração (banco de plântulas, chuva de sementes e banco de sementes do solo). Os dados foram coletados em seis conglomerados, sendo cada um subdividido em 16 parcelas de 20 m x 20 m. No Capítulo I, estudou-se a vegetação adulta onde as espécies arbóreas e arbustivas com circunferência à altura do peito (CAP) igual ou maior de 30 cm foram identificadas e medidas. As espécies foram classificadas em grupos ecológicos e, com base nos dados de densidade, foi realizada uma análise de agrupamento utilizando o método TWINSPAN (Two-way Indicator Species Analysis). Os agrupamentos foram caracterizados em relação à sua estrutura horizontal. Na área, foram identificadas 86 espécies, sendo 18 pioneiras, 25 secundárias iniciais, 16 secundárias tardias, 14 clímax, e 13 foram classificadas em mais de um grupo. Foram caracterizados três agrupamentos (G1, G2 e G3), em que se destacaram as espécies Siphoneugena reitzii, Araucaria angustifolia e Sebastiania commersoniana, respectivamente, em ambientes de encosta, de árvores emergentes e úmido. No capítulo II, partindo dos agrupamentos formados na vegetação adulta, foram avaliados os mecanismos de regeneração. A chuva de sementes foi avaliada durante os meses de janeiro a dezembro de 2007 por meio da disposição de 96 coletores de 1 m², na qual foi observada diferença significativa entre os três grupos na quantidade de sementes dispersadas. No estudo do banco de sementes do solo, realizado mediante a coleta de 5 cm de solo (retirando a serapilheira), observou-se que o grupo G1 demonstrou diferença significativa na quantidade de sementes estocadas em relação aos grupos G2 e G3. O banco de plântulas foi amostrado em 72 unidades amostrais de 2 m x 2 m, em que todos os indivíduos com altura igual ou maior que 20 cm e DAP igual ou menor 1 cm foram identificados e contados. A análise estatística mostrou que, quantitativamente, houve diferença significativa entre os três grupos quanto ao número de indivíduos no banco de plântulas. Pela análise conjunta da vegetação adulta e mecanismos de regeneração, conclui-se, inicialmente, que o banco de plântulas, por ter apresentado maior similaridade com a vegetação, pode ser a estratégia principal de manutenção dessa floresta. A chuva de sementes é uma estratégia fundamental à manutenção do banco de plântulas. O banco de sementes não apresentou potencial florístico para substituir as espécies presentes na vegetação arbórea após alteração da floresta, sendo uma estratégia essencial ao restabelecimento inicial da área, dada a elevada densidade de plantas herbáceas. Foram consideradas como espécies arbóreas fundamentais Araucaria angustifolia, Siphoneugena reitzii, Ilex brevicuspis, Podocarpus lambertii e Vernonia discolor, em ambientes de encosta; Araucaria angustifolia, Casearia decandra, Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Ilex paraguariensis e Sebastiania brasiliensis, em ambiente de arvores emergentes; Araucaria angustifolia, Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Cryptocarya aschersoniana, Ilex brevicuspis, Sebastiania commersoniana e Siphoneugena reitzii em terrenos de maior umidade. Por meio dessas informações, acredita-se que tais espécies terão maior chance de estabelecimento em locais com características ambientais semelhantes.

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Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
The present work was aims to realize ecologic studies in Seasonal Semideciduous Forest (initial and advanced forests) for manner to valuation the floristic composition and phytossociology, of correlations between soil factors and floristic variation, the litterfall, the seed rain and seed bank. The study was realized in Mata da Agronomia in Viçosa, MG (20°46 S e 42°52 W), individual trees with ≥ 15 cm circumference at breast height (DCH) were sampled in 20 - 25 x 10 m plots (10 plots in each site). On the sampled center was an installed quadrate litter trap with 1x1 m, where was monthly collect the material deposited between April/2007 and March/2008. Forty soil samples total in two distinct period (drought station finish and rainy station finish and arranged for germinate in wooden boxes (0,5 x 0,5 x 0,1 m) in shading of 60%. The soil samples were collected at 0-10 cm depth and submitted to chemical and physics analysis. The floristic lifting registered one total the 820 individuals were registered, once, 440 in the initial forest and 380 in the advanced forest. The families show up in richest in initial forest were Fabaceae (137), Urticaceae (45) and Sapindaceae (41) and advanced forest were Fabaceae (103), Meliaceae (49) e Flacourtiaceae (34). In the continuum the Shannon diversity index (H ) was 3.82 nat.ind.-1 and the Pielou evenness (J ) was 0.84. The initial and advanced forests revealed the low similarity among theses forests by Sorensen index. While, the canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated significant correlation between the trees species availed and the fertility chemical soil. The litter production annual in the initial forest (8,349.5 kg/ha) was superior signification of advanced forest production (6,712.8 kg/ha). On the seed rain study were recognized 84 taxa, where 41 species were identified distributed among 40 families in the initial forest and 24 species belonging to 13 families in advanced forest. The life form dominate was arborous and the dispersion syndrome was zoocory. Hundred nine taxa were sampled in the seed bank the forest altogether, 101 species were identified as belonging to 73 genera distributed among 40 families, 56 species commonness in two successional stages of forest and 49 species commonness of two levy period. The herbaceous individuals predomination in all forests and valuation epoch, whit not representation the fragility of the seed bank, by little quantity inhibitor herbaceous individuals in relation to overmuch herbaceous, arboreus and arbutus individuals wat contribute for successional dynamics.
O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar estudos ecológicos em Floresta Estacional Semidecidual (floresta inicial e avançada) por meio da avaliação da composição florística e fitossociológica, das correlações entre os fatores edáficos e vegetacionais, da produção de serapilheira, da chuva de sementes e do banco de sementes. O estudo foi realizado na Mata da Agronomia situada em Viçosa, MG (20°46 S e 42°52 W), onde foram alocadas 10 parcelas de 25 x 10 m em cada trecho, sendo amostrados todos os indivíduos com circunferência do tronco a 130 cm do solo (CAP) ≥ 15 cm. No centro de cada parcela foi colocado um coletor de 1x1 m, no qual foi realizadas coletas mensais do material precipitado entre abril de 2007 e março de 2008. Também foram coletadas 40 amostras do banco de sementes em dois períodos distintos (final da estação seca e chuvosa) e colocadas para germinar em caixas de madeira de 0,5 x 0,5 x 0,1 m sob 60% de sombreamento. Além dessas amostras, outras foram realizadas nas parcelas (camada de 0-10 cm) e submetidas à análise química e física. No levantamento florístico registrou-se o total de 820 indivíduos, sendo, 440 registrados na floresta inicial e 380 na floresta avançada. As famílias de maior riqueza específica na floresta inicial foram Fabaceae (137), Urticaceae (45) e Sapindaceae (41) e na avançada Fabaceae (103), Meliaceae (49) e Flacourtiaceae (34). Para o conjunto, o índice de Shannon (H ) e a equabilidade (J ) foram de 3,82 nat.ind.-1 e 0,84, respectivamente. As florestas inicial e avançada apresentaram baixo índice de similaridade florística. A análise de correspondência canônica (CCA) indicou correlação significativa entre a distribuição das espécies arbóreas avaliadas no perfil topográfico e a fertilidade do solo. A produção anual de serapilheira na floresta inicial (8349,5 kg/ha) foi significativamente superior à produção da floresta avançada (6712,8 kg/ha). No estudo de chuva de sementes foram reconhecidos 84 taxa, sendo 41 espécies pertencentes a 25 famílias na floresta inicial e 24 espécies pertencentes a 13 famílias na floresta avançada. A forma de vida dominante foi arbórea e a síndrome de dispersão predominante foi a zoocórica. No estudo do banco de sementes foram registrados 109 taxa no banco de sementes da floresta como um todo, sendo reconhecidas 101 espécies distribuídas em 73 gêneros de 40 famílias. Ocorreram 56 espécies comuns aos dois trechos de floresta e 49 espécies comuns aos dois períodos de coleta. Os indivíduos herbáceos predominaram em todas as florestas e épocas de avaliação, o que não representou a fragilidade do banco de sementes, pela pequena quantidade de invíduos herbáceos inibidores em relação aos demais herbáceos, arbóreos e arbustivos que contribuem para a dinâmica sucessional.

Tyrimo tikslas – nustatyti armens apvertimo kokybės įtaką vasarinių miežių (Hordeum vulgare L.) pasėlio piktžolėtumui modeliniame lauko tyrime. Modelinis lauko tyrimas vykdytas LŽŪU bandymų stotyje 2009-2010. Tirti keturi armens apvertimo variantai: armuo apverstas 135° (kontrolinis variantas), 157,5º ir 180° kampu bei neverčiamas (0°). Įrengti stacionarūs 0,25 m2 modeliniai laukeliai Nustatyta piktžolių vasarinių miežių derliuje, rūšinė sudėtis, biomasė ir skaičius, miežių antžeminės dalies biomasė ir stiebų skaičius, derlius, 1000 grūdų masė ir kiti parametrai. Pasėlio piktžolėtumo ir piktžolių sėklų pasiskirstymo armenyje duomenys vertinami dispersinės analizės metodu, nustatant esminio skirtumo ribą (R05, R01) ir vidurkių vidutinę kvadratinę paklaidą Apibendrinus tyrimo duomenis, gauti rezultatai parodė, kad esant skirtingam armens apvertimo kampui piktžolių biomasė pasėlyje skyrėsi iki 3 kartų. Piktžolių sėklų atsargose dirvoje vyravo trumpaamžės piktžolės, daugiausiai baltoji balanda (Chenopodium album L.). Paviršiniame dirvos sluoksnyje piktžolių sėklų pasiskirstymas tarp variantų buvo nevienodas (skyrėsi kelis kartus) skirtingais metais. Eksperimento rezultatai iš esmės patvirtino hipotezę, kad nuo armens apvertimo kampo priklauso pasėlio piktžolėtumas, tačiau reikėtų atlikti papildomus tyrimus ir nustatyti optimalų armens apvertimo kampą mūsų klimato ir dirvožemių sąlygomis.
The aim of the investigation was to estimate the influence of arable soil turnover angle on spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) crop yield and weediness in model field experiment. The model field experiment carried out at the Experimental Station of LŽŪU in 2009-2010. Four arable soil turnover angle treatments were investigated: 135° (control treatment), 157.5° and 180° and not overturned (0°). Stationary 0.25 m-2 model fields were equipped. The following parameters were measured: weeds harvested along with barley (weed species composition, weed biomass and number), spring barley density, and stem density, yield, 1000 grain weight and other parameters. Weediness and weed seed distribution in the arable soil layer were assessed by variance method by determining the LSD05, LSD01 and the average SEM Summarized survey data revealed that weed biomass in the spring barley crop differed by three times at the different arable soil turnover angle, short-living weeds dominated in the seed bank, mostly Chenopodium album L., weed seed distribution in top soil layer as well as spring barley yield has been uneven between the treatments (several times) in different years. Experimental results broadly confirmed the hypothesis that the arable soil overturning angle has influence on the crop yield and weediness, but further studies should be carried out to determine the optimum turnover angle for our climate and soil conditions.