Microspatial structure of the seed bank of xerothermic grassland - Intracommunity differentiation

Abstract

The study analyses the quantity and spatial structure of the seed bank of the xerothermic grassland located in the Biała Góra near Tomaszów Lubelski (Central Roztocze Region). The seed stock of the bank was compared with the vegetation found in two different patches of the examined grassland. The number of seeds per square meter was estimated at 5328 and 5355, depending on the patch. The seed bank's spatial organisation is clustered. The most important factors determining this spatial distribution are: remaining of the seeds in close vicinity of parent plants, and the "group" dispersal of the seeds and fruits.