Forest patch size predicts seed bank composition in urban areas

Questions: As urban areas expand around the world, understanding how to restore and maintain forests within the urban environment becomes increasingly important. Given that a comprehensive understanding of regeneration dynamics is critical to designating appropriate management interventions we ask the following: how does regeneration, vis-Ã -vis the buried seed bank, vary in heterogenous urban forests? And, can forest patch size be used to predict regeneration and consequent management interventions? Location: Vacant lots and public parks throughout New Haven, CT, USA. Methods: We sampled buried seed banks in 131 plots distributed across three forest patch sizes ranging from large intact parks (95-126 ha), to small parks (1-19 ha), and vacant lots (.05-.65 ha). We collected soil samples from the surface mineral soil and stratified them over sand in a greenhouse over a period of 5 months to record germination. Results: By examining seed bank floristics in a range of f...Questions: 随着全球城市区域不断扩张，探究城市森林修复与维护的方法愈发重要。鉴于全面掌握更新动态（regeneration dynamics）是制定合理管理干预措施的核心前提，本研究提出如下问题：在异质性城市森林中，相较于埋藏种子库（buried seed bank）的植被更新情况会呈现何种变化？此外，能否通过森林斑块面积预测植被更新状况，进而确定后续的管理干预方案？ Location: 研究地点为美国康涅狄格州纽黑文市全境的闲置地块与公共公园。 Methods: 本研究在三类不同面积的森林斑块中布设131个样地，对其埋藏种子库进行采样，三类斑块分别为完整大型公园（95~126公顷）、小型公园（1~19公顷）以及闲置地块（0.05~0.65公顷）。研究人员从表层矿质土壤中采集土样，随后将土样平铺于温室的沙床之上，历时5个月记录种子萌发情况。 Results: 通过对一系列……中的种子库植物区系进行考察……