The Role of Seed Banks in Vegetation Dynamics and Restoration of Dry Tropical Ecosystems

Background

This paper reviews studies on seed banks in tropical dry forests, comparing them with wet tropical and subtropical vegetation.

Research Goals & Methods

Seed banks in dry tropical forests tend to be low and they are density dependant on moisture levels of the area in question. Subtropical seed banks had similar values to dry tropical forests. Majority of the seeds are from pioneer forests.

Conclusions & Takeaways

Various Acacia spp. seeds were found to have long viability, spanning to decades, as a survival strategy. Some species like Banksia spp. store their seeds in the canopy, supposedly an adaption to fire. Acacia spp. is generally positively affected by fire. Recruitment from the seedbank is dependent on favourable conditions on soil parameters, human activities.