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Potential climatic control of seedbank density

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 February 2007

Robin J. Pakeman ,
Roger P. Cummins ,
Gordon R. Miller  and
David B. Roy
Robin J. Pakeman*
Affiliation:
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK
Roger P. Cummins
Affiliation:
Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Banchory Research Station, Hill of Brathens, Glassel, Banchory, Kincardineshire, AB31 4BY, UK
Gordon R. Miller
Affiliation:
Gilbank, Banchory, Kincardineshire, B31 5TQ, UK
David B. Roy
Affiliation:
Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Monks Wood, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE17 2LS, UK
*
*Correspondence Fax: 01224 311556 Email: r.pakeman@mluri.sari.ac.uk
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Abstract

The relationship between Calluna vulgaris seedbank density and climate was investigated using regression analysis and two related techniques (factor-ceiling analysis). The seedbank data originated from published and unpublished studies. Low seedbank densities were associated with sites in the relatively dry, sunny and warm south and east of Great Britain. However, as the climatic variables used in the study were highly intercorrelated, it was not possible to determine which climatic variable had the greatest influence on seedbank density. A hypothesis is described suggesting that the limits of seedbank density can be described for single environmental factors. The operation of other environmental and management factors may reduce the seedbank density to less than this maximum. This is illustrated for a range of climatic variables using factor-ceiling analysis. The processes following seed deposition and the longevity of seeds in the soil are highlighted as possible factors controlled by climate which determine seedbank density.

Keywords

Calluna vulgarisclimateseedbankfactor-ceiling analysis
Type
Research Article
Information
Seed Science Research , Volume 9 , Issue 1 , January 1999 , pp. 101 - 110
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1999

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