Eucalyptus productive matrix influences the soil seed bank in southern Brazil

Abstract

Eucalyptus species are cultivated for various purposes around the world, mainly because they adapt well and grow quickly. These productive matrices of planted forests are common in Brazil, added to which, areas of native vegetation are requirements of environmental legislation. Although eucalyptus plantations are widely distributed in Brazil, little is known about the soil seed bank (SSB) in the eucalyptus productive matrix (EPM). We aim to understand how the EPM made up of eucalyptus plantations and native forest remnants affect the SSB in the Brazilian Pampa. Samples of the SSB of EPM were collected and monitored for 6 months in a shade house. We evaluated seedling emergence, richness, composition, ecological characteristics of the species, diversity, and floristic similarity. We recorded a high rate of seedling emergence, species richness, and different life forms and native species in all EPM treatments; however, the similarity between native remnants and eucalyptus plantations was low. The size and level of conservation of native remnants and the position and management of eucalyptus sites in the EPM influenced the diversity and composition of species. Eucalyptus plantations contain SSBs with potential for natural regeneration when they are in a landscape that maintains conserved native forest remnants. These results expand the knowledge of the SSB in EPM and can support actions in ecological restoration projects.