SEED BANK OF A FRESHWATER TIDAL WETLAND: TURNOVER AND RELATIONSHIP TO VEGETATION CHANGE

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Depletion during spring germination (turnover), longevity, and successional relationships were studied at High Marsh (HM), Cattail (CT), and Shrub Forest (SF) sites in a freshwater tidal wetland over three years. There was significant seasonal reduction in size and composition of seed banks from all sites. Turnover was greatest in HM surface (0–2 cm) samples where 29 x more seeds germinated in March than in June. In CT and SF samples turnover was considerably less. Magnitude (34–97%) was related to species composition and factors affecting field germination. Decrease in density with depth (0–10 cm) was log‐linear in March samples. Except for SF 30–32 cm, few seeds and species were found at 8–10, 15–17, or 30–32 cm. Three seed bank strategies were distinguished: (a) complete turnover (Type II, sensu Thompson and Grime 1979), (b) high turnover with some reserve (Type III), and (c) large long‐term seed reserve (Type IV). Longevity of many species appeared to be restricted; 31–56% at each site were present only in surface samples, and 29–52% germinated only in March samples. Although some species were important at all three sites, the seed bank composition of each was distinct, and was related to vegetation composition at each site. Because the bulk of the seed bank at each site resembles its site vegetation more than that of another site, it is not possible to predict succession.
Funding Information
  • Rider College
  • Faculty Research Grant-in-Aid