Niknam P, Erfanzadeh R, Ghelichnia H. Short-term effects of prescribed fires on soil seed bank in alpine rangelands, case study: Vaz watershed, central Alborz. مرتع 2018; 11 (4) :474-485
URL:
http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-535-en.html
Tarbiat Modares University
Abstract: (5306 Views)
This study aimed to assess soil seed bank condition under cushion plants in response to prescribed fire in Vaz watershed, Mazandaran province. Thirteen cushion plant stands were selected randomly. Soil samples of pre-fire condition were collected at two depths (0-5 and 5-10 cm), then the cushion plants were treated by experimental fire and soil samples were collected again one week after the fire treatment. The sampled soil seed banks were evaluated using germination tests in greenhouse condition. Germinated seeds were identified and the seed density per square meter and species richness were calculated. Two-way ANOVA and paired t-test were applied to evaluate the effects of fire, soil depth on soil seed bank density and richness. The results showed that seed density of forbs and grasses at pre-fire in the depths of 0-10cm was significantly higher than those of forbs and grasses at post-fire treatment at the same depth (p < 0.05). Similarly, species richness of forbs and grasses at the pre-fire condition at the depth of 0-10 cm was significantly higher than those at the same depth in post-fire condition (p < 0.05). Seed density and species richness of seed bank at the pre-fire condition in the depth of 0-5 cm was significantly higher than those at post-fire (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between pre and post-fire at depth of 5-10 cm in density and richness of soil seed bank.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Special Received: 2018/03/3 | Accepted: 2018/03/3 | Published: 2018/03/3