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Pilot testing of a sampling methodology for assessing seed attachment propensity and transport rate in a soil matrix carried on boot soles and bike tires

Hardiman, Nigel, Dietz, Kristina Charlotte, Bride, Ian, Passfield, Louis (2016) Pilot testing of a sampling methodology for assessing seed attachment propensity and transport rate in a soil matrix carried on boot soles and bike tires. Environmental Management, 59 . pp. 68-76. ISSN 0364-152X. E-ISSN 1432-1009. (doi:10.1007/s00267-016-0773-4) (KAR id:57585)

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Abstract

Land managers of natural areas are under pressure to balance demands for increased recreation access with protection of the natural resource. Unintended dispersal of seeds by visitors to natural areas has high potential for weedy plant invasions, with initial seed attachment an important step in the dispersal process. Although walking and mountain biking are popular nature-based recreation activities there are few studies quantifying propensity for seed attachment and transport rate on boot soles and none for bike tires. Attachment and transport rate can potentially be affected by a wide range of factors for which field testing can be time-consuming and expensive. We pilot tested a sampling methodology for measuring seed attachment and transport rate in a soil matrix carried on boot soles and bike tires traversing a known quantity and density of a seed analog (beads) over different distances and soil conditions. We found % attachment rate on boot soles was much lower overall than previously reported but that boot soles had a higher propensity for seed attachment than bike tires in almost all conditions. We believe our methodology offers a cost-effective option for researchers seeking to manipulate and test effects of different influencing factors on these two dispersal vectors.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1007/s00267-016-0773-4
Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history > QH541 Ecology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Sport and Exercise Sciences
Depositing User: Louis Passfield
Date Deposited: 30 Sep 2016 01:27 UTC
Last Modified: 17 Aug 2022 12:21 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/57585 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Hardiman, Nigel.

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Dietz, Kristina Charlotte.

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Bride, Ian.

Creator's ORCID:
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Passfield, Louis.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6223-162X
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