Seedbank Longevity and Vertical Distribution of Alopecurus myosuroides Seeds Under Different Tillage Systems in Cereal Fields

Abstract

Seedbank persistence of Alopecurus myosuroides represents a major constraint in winter cereal production systems, particularly due to its ability to form long-lived soil seed reserves and rapid population resurgence following control failures. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate seedbank longevity and vertical distribution of A. myosuroides seeds under contrasting tillage systems in cereal-based cropping fields. Seed burial studies were established under conventional tillage, reduced tillage, and no-till systems, and seed viability was monitored over time at different soil depths. Results indicated that seed persistence was strongly influenced by tillage intensity and burial depth. No-till systems promoted higher seed retention in upper soil layers, leading to increased germination opportunities and faster population turnover, whereas conventional tillage redistributed seeds into deeper soil layers, enhancing long-term persistence by reducing germination exposure. Seed viability declined gradually over time in all systems, but a significant proportion of seeds remained viable after extended burial periods, confirming the species’ persistent seedbank strategy. Vertical distribution patterns showed highest seed density in the upper 0–5 cm soil layer under reduced disturbance systems, while deeper burial was more common under intensive tillage practices. Seasonal emergence was strongly associated with seed position, with shallow seeds contributing predominantly to annual infestations. Environmental factors such as soil moisture, temperature fluctuations, and microbial activity further influenced seed decay and dormancy release dynamics. The study highlights the adaptive survival strategy of A. myosuroides through long-term seedbank maintenance and vertical stratification under different tillage regimes.