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Research article2010Peer reviewed

Post-dispersal seed predation of woody forest species limits recolonization of forest plantations on ex-arable land

Bruun, Hans Henrik; Valtinat, Karin; Kollmann, Johannes; Brunet, Jörg

Abstract

Reforestation of ex-arable land in temperate regions increases the area of potential habitat for forest plants. However, the herbaceous plant layer of these plantations contains fewer forest species than comparable plantations at continuously forested sites. One of the reasons for this might be differences in recruitment. The present study addresses post-dispersal seed predation, mainly of woody plants, as the factor limiting the recolonization of young oak plantations in southern Sweden. Our objectives were to investigate differences in dispersal and post-dispersal seed predation between first-generation forest plantations on ex-arable land and re-planted clear-cuts on continuously forested land. There was no recruitment following the experimental sowing of six common woody species (Abuts glutinosa, Betula pendula, Frangula alnus, Sambucus nigra, Sorbus aucuparia and Sorbus intermedia). Thus, the colonization of forest plantations by native shrubs and trees appears to be habitat-limited; the only exception being Rhamnus catharticus, for which poor dispersal ability may be more important. Post-dispersal seed predation of forest shrubs and trees was marked, especially in relatively small and isolated plantations on ex-arable land. There was a high seed predation of Crataegus monogyna, Sorbus aucuparia and Viburnum opulus on ex-arable land, while that of Frangula alnus and Sambucus racemosa was not associated with site placement and land-use history. Seed predation is probably a more important factor limiting restoration of near-natural forests than previously thought.

Keywords

deciduous forest; dispersal ability; forest restoration; habitat limitation; land-use history; species richness

Published in

Preslia
2010, Volume: 82, number: 3, pages: 345-356
Publisher: CZECH BOTANICAL SOC

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/60929