Seed bank of forest restoration areas in Aimorés, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Abstract

With the objective to evaluate the soil seed bank of four distinct areas undergoing restoration activities of different intensities 30 samples of topsoil from 30 x 25 x 7.0 cm in deep were collected in each area and transported to greenhouse at 25 °C and relative humidity around 70%. The emerging seedlings were counted every two weeks for one year. Shannon diversity and Pielou evenness were calculate. The species were classified according to dispersal syndrome, life form and successional class. Considering the four areas, 323 individuals m-², emerged on average, belonging to 26 families and 69 species. Approximately 31% of the sampled individuals were Setaria vulpiseta, and it was present in all four areas. Areas 1 and 2 have low diversity and low ecological dominance. Areas 3 and 4 present mean diversity and low ecological dominance. Herbaceous form and anemochoric syndrome were the most outstanding. The seed bank of areas 1 and 2 have a low potential for auxiliary the forest restoration. In areas, 3 and 4 the seed bank showed a good potential for forest resilience.