Soil seed bank characteristics in relation to rangeland degradation in communal areas of the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

A soil seed bank is defined as seeds at or beneath the soil surface that are capable of germinating. Soil seed banks are important in ecosystems where grasses account for a large part of the vegetation. This has implications on the future vegetation recruitment of the new set of plants when germination conditions are suitable. The study consisted of two experimental units which were selected based on the grazing management history. The first unit was Phandulwazi Agricultural High School. The grazing management at this site was relatively controlled with the use of rotational grazing. Another experimental unit was Amakuze Tribal Authority (ATA).