Soil seed bank dynamics in a remnant lowland Hawaiian dry forest : implications for restoration

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to: 1) evaluate the composition and seasonality of the input of seeds to the seed bank (seed rain); 2) evaluate the composition and seasonality of the soil seed bank; and 3) assess relationships among the seed rain, seed bank, and aboveground vegetation (including the canopy, understory, and seedling layers). The overall purpose of these objectives was to estimate the importance of the soil seed bank as a regenerative mechanism, and inform future management and restoration activities at Halona and, potentially, other Hawaiian dry forests.