Composition and diversity of the germinable seed bank in an urban ecological nucleus

Abstract

The seed bank plays a primary role in natural regeneration since it has the generic resource with which an ecosystem is able to regenerate after a disturbance. According to the species found in it, it is possible to predict a possible successional trajectory. The Simón Bolivar Metropolitan Park is one of the most important ones in Bogotá, in which restoration projects have been developed for 4 years and an increase in the regeneration of native species has been observed. For this reason, a characterization of the composition and diversity of the germinable seed bank was performed. With the goal that this information allows to guide the adaptive management actions, it was possible to establish that the species composition indicates that it is still necessary to implement ecological restoration strategies that favor the establishment and development of those native species that facilitate succession. This species are present in the seed bank, but absent or diminished in the seedling bank. Likewise, it’s needed to continue with the reintroduction of native species that are able to compete with the invasive species present in high density in the seed bank and seedling.