Seed bank contributions and environmental filtering shape seasonal dynamics and restoration potential of submerged macrophytes in Baiyangdian Lake

Introduction Submerged macrophytes are essential for maintaining the structure and functioning of shallow lake ecosystems. Seasonal environmental fluctuations strongly shape the structure and recovery capacity of submerged macrophyte communities. Methods To evaluate seasonal recovery potential and environmental constraints in Baiyangdian Lake, we integrated species richness, biomass, community structure, β−diversity components, and assembly processes with water and sediment variables based on fi