Seed Bank in Restored Bauxite Mine in Southeast Brazil

ABSTRACT This study aimed to characterize the soil seed bank in a restored bauxite mine ten years after the restoration project. The study was conducted in a bauxite-exploited mine, which was restored with trees. We collected 40 samples of surface soil (0.25 × 0.30 × 0.05 m) to evaluate soil seed bank by germination method in shade house for six months. Results showed that 2,489 seedlings emerged, belonging to 69 species and 23 botanical families, with a density of 830 seedlings m–2. Poaceae and Cannabaceae were the families with higher density. A larger number of species and individuals were pioneer and zoochoric species. The soil seed bank of the restored area showed no difference in plant density and floristic composition between the border and the core study area. There was no floristic similarity between planted species and the seed bank. Results showed that the seed bank was able to supply species and individuals upon germination.