Ecology of Soil Seed Banks

Mary Allessio Leck

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2012
• Print ISBN:
  9780124404052
• eBook ISBN:
  9780323148658
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• Subtopic: Biology
• Index: Biological Sciences

Ecology of Soil Seed Banks examines the factors that influence seed bank dynamics and the variety of patterns found among different species. This book presents seed banks in a community context to explore the ecological implications of different patterns, and thus begin the development of a synthesis by comparing various communities. Organized into five parts, this book first examines the general processes that influence inputs or losses from the seed bank, including predation, dormancy/germination mechanisms, and their evolutionary importance. Then, this text examines seed banks in a community context. Only eight vegetation types are included, but the range in diversity of life form, length of growing season, and dominant environmental conditions allow comparisons of seed bank patterns. This book also explores the role of seed banks in vegetation management. This reference material will be a valuable reference material to population and community ecologists and managers. Evolutionary consequences of seed banks should be of interest to population and theoretical biologists.

Table of contents

• Front Cover
• Ecology of Soil Seed Banks
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Contributors
• Preface
• PART 1: INTRODUCTION
• PART 2: SEED BANK PROCESSES
• PART 3: SEED BANKS AND VEGETATION TYPE
• PART 4: MANAGEMENT AND SOIL SEED BANKS
• PART 5: SYNTHESIS
• Bibliography
• Index