Abstract

Litter plays an important role in seedling establishment (emergence, survival, and early growth). Here, we performed a meta-analysis on 404 datasets from 33 independent studies to analyze the effects of litter cover on seedling emergence, survival, height, and biomass (root, stem, leaf, and total). Each dataset was stratified according to experimental conditions, litter type (broadleaf versus needle litter), litter amount (thickness), and seed size. The results showed that litter cover had an overall negative effect on seedling emergence and survival, a neutral effect on root, leaf, total biomass, and a positive effect on stem biomass and seedling height than the no-litter cover control. Compared to thin (<250 g m(-2)) and medium (250-500 g m(-2)) litter layers, thick litter (>500 g m(-2)) was more detrimental for seedling emergence, survival, and total biomass, which could be an adaptation mechanism to prevent the growth of young seedling among high densities of other plants (trees). Broadleaf litter cover had a stronger negative effect on seedling emergence and total biomass than needle litter. Litter cover had a stronger negative effect on emergence of small seeds than on emergence of larger seeds. Similarly, litter cover had a stronger overall negative effect on seedling emergence than on seedling survival. In field and common garden experiments, litter effects were negative for emergence and positive for total biomass. In glasshouse and germination chamber experiments, litter effects were negative for emergence, survival and total biomass. These findings would contribute to advancements in forest management, improving conservation and restoration efforts.

Keywords

plant biomass; litter thickness; litter type; seed size; seedling emergence; seedling survival

Published in

Forests
2022, Volume: 13, number: 5, article number: 644
Publisher: MDPI

SLU Authors

• Tigabu, Mulualem

  • Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Qufu Normal University

Sustainable Development Goals

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss


UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science
Forest Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/f13050644

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/117426