Sammanfattning

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.

Nyckelord

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

Publicerad i

Forests
2022, Volym: 13, nummer: 5, artikelnummer: 644
Utgivare: MDPI

SLU författare

• Tigabu, Mulualem

  • Institutionen för sydsvensk skogsvetenskap, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    
  • Qufu Normal University

Globala målen

SDG15 Skydda, återställa och främja ett hållbart nyttjande av landbaserade ekosystem, hållbart bruka skogar, bekämpa ökenspridning, hejda och vrida tillbaka markförstöringen samt hejda förlusten av biologisk mångfald


UKÄ forskningsämne

Jordbruksvetenskap
Skogsvetenskap


Publikationens identifierare

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

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

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