The dynamics of buried seed banks beneath woodlands, with particular reference to Hypericum pulchrum
Abstract
This study has examined the rate at which the seeds of certain species disappear from woodland soils, and whether the composition of the seed banks beneath stands of known age can be used to reveal management history. Associated with this is an investigation of the spatial distribution of the stored propagules. A question arises as to whether species with long lived seeds can survive as buried seed long enough to take advantage of the opening of the canopy and soil disturbance resulting from the falling of old trees. Given the great life span of most trees, this is a strategy open only to species with exceptionally long-lived seed banks. One such species is Hypericum Pulchrum, which, as the seed bank surveys carried out in this study show, can exist as viable seeds beneath woodlands of great age in the Tavistock Woodland Estate in Devon.
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Date
1987
Recommended Citation
Darby, C. (1987) The dynamics of buried seed banks beneath woodlands, with particular reference to Hypericum pulchrum. Thesis. University of Plymouth. Retrieved from https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/bms-theses/183
