Decline of arable weed seeds during 20 years in soil under grass and the periodicity of seedling emergence after cultivation.

Published online
16 Dec 1986
Content type
Journal article
Journal title
Journal of Applied Ecology
DOI
10.2307/2404041

Author(s)
Chancellor, R. J.

Publication language
English
Location
UK

Abstract

The decline of seeds of a natural population of arable weeds under a grass sward was monitored by germination in the field. Plots of 0.9 m2 were dug out of the turf in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 20th and 21st years of the experiment. All seedlings were counted and removed and the plots recultivated to a depth of 0.2 m at the end of each month for 24 months. 21 species were recorded of which Matricaria recutita [Chamomilla recutita] and Papaver rhoeas were the most abundant. Chrysanthemum segetum and Raphanus raphanistrum seeds declined most rapidly with mean annual declines of over 30% per year (half lives of 1.5 and 2 years, resp.), while Fumaria officinalis and Aethusa cynapium declined least with means of <1% per year (half lives >20 years). The monthly emergence of 9 species, which occurred in sufficient numbers, are presented. All germinated to some extent in spring and autumn, although seedlings of F. officinalis and Trifolium repens emerged mainly in spring. It was concluded that, as a control measure, sowing down a weedy arable field to grass for 20 years will not eradicate the seeds of even the most rapidly declining species.

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