Don't bank on seed banks to save the grasslands

trueCollege of Natural Science,EEB,Kellogg Biological Station07/27/2023Don't bank on seed banks to save the grasslands

As biodiversity loss wreaks havoc on grasslands throughout the world, many have hoped that soil seed banks would act as a “biodiversity reservoir” and preserve species that are disappearing. However, in a recent study published in Nature Communications, Michigan State University plant biologist Lauren Sullivan and her team challenge that assumption. Previous studies have shown that fertilization can lead to biodiversity loss in the above ground community, but this is the first multi-site study to show a link to the seed bank community.

A recent study by MSU plant biologist Lauren Sullivan challenges the assumption that soil seed banks can act as a “biodiversity reservoir” in grasslands.
The study found that when global change factors such as nutrient additions and herbivore removal are acting on grasslands, the seed bank also decreases in diversity.
The results suggest that other measures may be needed to help preserve and restore biodiversity in grasslands, such as planting grassland strips around farmland.

Mollie Newman

One seedbank plot with germinating seeds growing from the Cedar Creek, Minn.,site.

KBSbiodiversity losseebenvironmental restorationgrassesplant biologysoil seed banks