The role of seed banks in sustaining alkali grassland biodiversity in the Hortobágy National Park, Hungary

Research in the Hortobágy National Park reveals that seed banks play a critical role in sustaining biodiversity in alkali grasslands, particularly under stress. The study found that while surface vegetation contained 39 species, seed banks harbored 50, with densities of 30,000-50,000 seeds per square meter—higher than typical dry grasslands. Contrary to expectations, the most stressed grassland types exhibited the highest density of halophyte seeds, though overall species richness and seed density were lowest in these environments. The study tested hypotheses about vertical positioning and environmental factors (moisture, salinity, pH, organic matter) influencing seed bank composition but found limited support for them. Most grassland species lacked significant seed banks, suggesting that local persistence is not guaranteed through this mechanism.

Tóth, K., Lukács, B. A., Radócz, Sz., & Simon, E. (2015). The role of seed banks in sustaining alkali grassland biodiversity in the Hortobágy National Park, Hungary. Botanikai Közlemények, 102(1-2), 141–157. https://doi.org/10.17716/botkozlem.2015.102.1-2.141