The efficiency of a vacuum device for estimating soil-surface seed abundance on lowland farms
The efficiency of a vacuum device for estimating soil-surface seed abundance on lowland farms
复制标题
真空装置估算低地农场土壤表面种子丰度的效率
DOI：
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复制
发表时间：
2009
期刊：
影响因子：
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通讯作者：
J. Memmott
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
D. Evans;Jj McLeod;L. Pascoe;J. Memmott
Summary
Accurate sampling methods for estimating soil-surface seed abundance in agro-ecosystems are vital for understanding arable plant population dynamics, as well as quantifying seed availability as a food resource for farmland birds, mammals and arthropods. We tested the sampling efficiency of a portable, petroleum spirit powered leaf blower-vacuum in recovering four different seed size classes on the soil-surface of seven lowland farm habitats. Vacuum sampler efficiency was dependent on seed size, habitat type and exposure of seeds to environmental conditions. Larger seeds were more readily recovered and overall seed recovery was consistently higher on habitats with low vegetation cover, such as newly-sown cereal fields. We discuss the limitations of the device, but commend its use with correction factors to estimate soil-surface seed abundance in agricultural habitats. This study highlights the potential biases when estimating soil-surface seed abundance, the importance of correcting such biases and the need for better sampling techniques for weed science.
