Astroturf seed traps for studying hydrochory

Abstract

Summary Astroturf mats can effectively trap diaspores dispersed by tidal water. Within four tidal inundations, up to 745 propagules per m 2 and between three and eight different species per astroturf mat were trapped. Overall, 15 different species were collected on the astroturf mats, 10 of which were also present in the local vegetation. The other five species must have come from further away, making the method also suitable for studying long‐distance dispersal. The seed‐retaining ability of the astroturf did not differ significantly for species with different seed characteristics. The method will be useful for assessing actual seed dispersal at specific sites and over specific periods of time, and has particular relevance in predicting and evaluating the success of ecological restoration projects.