Limitations for seedling establishment in volcanic tephra deposits

Abstract

Seed dispersal, rnicrosite availability, and herbivory have a considerable effect on the outcome of ecological restoration efforts. In this study we evaluated the role of these factors on the establishment of seedlings in a sand deposit of volcanic origin. The role of fencing (presence/absence) as exclusion for small mammals, and three mulching treatments (control, 227g/m(2) and 576g/m(2)), for creating differences in microsites, in plots placed randomly at different distances from the forest edge. Results show that the most important factor is distance from the forest edge being significant for all seedlings regardless of species was evaluated (F(132,1) = 69, P < 0.0001). and independently for 10 out of 28 species. The exclusions were significant only for establishment of plants of Cyperus spp, and mulching only through interactions. Results suggest that seed dispersal, and not herbivory, is the main limiting factor for seedling establishment in sand deposits.