Weed Seedbank and Seed Dormancy

• Weed seeds and vegetative parts can spread widely and persist in soil for years, creating a large seedbank that acts as a reservoir of diverse species ready to germinate under suitable conditions.
• A single square foot of soil may hold 98–3,068 viable seeds, equal to millions per acre. Seed longevity varies by species, from lotus seeds remaining viable for 1,000 years to jimsonweed showing high germination even after 40 years.
• Many seeds survive through dormancy, a resting phase that delays germination until conditions are favorable. Dormancy can result from hard seed coats, immature embryos, or required after-ripening, and is influenced by factors such as temperature, light, oxygen, and chemical inhibitors.