Spatial variation of the soil seed bank along a topographicgradient in natural rangelands of the southern Green Mountain (Jabal al-Akhdar)

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the spatial variation of the soil seed reservoir along the topographic gradient of natural rangelands in southern Jabal Akhdar. This was achieved by examining seed reservoir density and vitality, followed by assessing viable seeds through cultivation. Soil samples were collected from all soil classes within the studied area, and seed separation and counting were performed to estimate seed reservoir density and vitality. Cultivation revealed a significant decrease in viable seeds, with all viable seeds appearing in the transitional zone. These results indicate that the topographic gradient influences seed reservoir characteristics, and that the low viable seeds may limit the natural regeneration capacity of vegetation cover in some classes within the study area. The study also underscores the importance of integrating seed reservoir density and vitality assessments with cultivation tests to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the natural rangeland regeneration potential.