Soil Seed Bank Composition and Diversity in Areas Invaded with Invasive Alien Species in the Lower Montane Forest of Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

A study on Kilimanjaro National Park reveals that soil seed banks in lower montane forests invaded by alien species are rich in non-woody and a few woody species, with the highest density found in areas dominated by Pinus patula. The research, comparing five sites—four invaded by distinct invasive species (Acacia mearnsii, Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus spp., and P. patula) and one natural forest—used a seedling emergence method to assess seed density across three soil depth classes. Findings indicate that topsoil (1–5 cm) harbors significantly more seeds than deeper layers, while invasive species like A. mearnsii, P. patula, Grevillea robusta, and Poa annua dominate the seed bank. This suggests that forest restoration efforts must consider both persistent soil seed banks and external dispersal mechanisms alongside reforestation techniques.

Kikoti, I. A., Ndangalasi, H. J., Kayombo, C. J., & Musoma, R. M. (2025). Soil Seed Bank Composition and Diversity in Areas Invaded with Invasive Alien Species in the Lower Montane Forest of Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania. East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, 8(1), 195–218. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajenr.8.1.2873