The seedbank of woodlots in an agricultural matrix.

Abstract

Soil samples from four woodlots representing different land-use history and canopy vegetation were sampled to determine the composition of the seedbank. Seeds of 73 taxa distributed among 35 families were represented. Comparisons among the seedbank of the four woodlots were made using Sorensen's Index of Similarity. Grazing affected the similarity between seedbanks more than did canopy composition. Twenty-seven percent of the aggregate seedbank was composed of weeds or widespread annuals suggesting an important contribution from the surrounding matrix. The Impact of the current disturbance regime on the future composition of vegetation is discussed.