Theme 23: Biodiversity
Description
To evaluate the role of cattle dung in seed dispersal of major species in Zoysia japonica pasture in Japan, we investigated the species composition and density of seeds in cattle dung by means of a germination test. Of 20 major species which had a mean coverage of more than 0.1%, 90% were detected as seeds in cattle dung. In addition, the species composition and density of seeds in cattle dung differed among three sampling seasons. Seeds of the six most prevalent species in terms of coverage were detected from cattle dung during the growing season. Hence, we conclude that it is possible for major species to invade other grasslands and pastures by means of cattle dung.
Included in
The Role of Cattle Dung in Seed Dispersal of Major Species in a Zoysia japonica Pasture in Japan
To evaluate the role of cattle dung in seed dispersal of major species in Zoysia japonica pasture in Japan, we investigated the species composition and density of seeds in cattle dung by means of a germination test. Of 20 major species which had a mean coverage of more than 0.1%, 90% were detected as seeds in cattle dung. In addition, the species composition and density of seeds in cattle dung differed among three sampling seasons. Seeds of the six most prevalent species in terms of coverage were detected from cattle dung during the growing season. Hence, we conclude that it is possible for major species to invade other grasslands and pastures by means of cattle dung.
