Seed density significantly affects species richness and composition in experimental plant communities.

ABSTRACT: Studies on the importance of seed arrival for community richness and composition have not considered the number of seeds arriving and its effect on species richness and composition of natural communities is thus unknown. A series of experimental dry grassland communities were established. All communities were composed of the same 44 species in exactly the same proportions on two substrates using three different seed densities.The results showed that seed density had an effect on species richness only at the beginning of the experiment. In contrast, the effects on species composition persisted across the entire study period. The results do not support the prediction that due to higher competition for light in nutrient-rich soil, species richness will be the highest in the treatment with the

SUBMITTER: Munzbergova Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3471906 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature