Is passive revegetation through utilisation of soil seed banks a viable rehabilitation option in riparian ecosystems?

In this paper we present work on the characteristics and dynamics of the riparian seed bank of a sand-bed stream in eastern Australia (Wollombi Brook). Firstly, we will focus on the characteristics of the seed bank, namely the type, abundance and distribution of seeds in the riparian zone of Wollombi Brook and discuss whether these seed banks have the capacity to support the regeneration of diverse riparian vegetation. We highlight two sets of dynamics that contribute to the composition of riparian seed banks; local-scale seed availability from standing vegetation, and catchment-scale seed floating capacity from upstream seed sources. Finally, we present a range of practical implications for on-the-ground activity that aims to better utilise the riparian seed bank in river rehabilitation practice.