VIABLE SEED POPULATIONS IN ALBERTA PRAIRIE TOPSOILS

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Abstract
Naturally disseminated seeds in soil obtained from native and cultivated grass stands were permitted to germinate and grow in pots at different soil temperatures or in greenhouse flats at a constant temperature. There were differences in numbers of seeds of various species germinating at various temperatures, but greatest differences were among sites. Grazing affected number of seeds of a species that germinated, with grasses decreasing and weeds increasing as intensity of grazing increased. Viable seeds ranged in number from 204 to 12,342/m2, Distribution of numbers of seeds in topsoils was skewed, with the mode at 780/m2. The presence of viable seeds of many species on or in the topsoil would, upon its disturbance, assure secondary plant succession.

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