The role of local species pool, soil seed bank and seedling pool in natural vegetation restoration on abandoned slope land

► We examine the vegetation restoration limitations on the eroded slope land. ► The species pool, soil seed bank and seedling establishment were studied. ► Soil erosion had no significant influence on the soil seed bank. ► Harsh environmental conditions on eroded slopes limited seedling survival and growth. ► Widely distributed species can spread distantly, form seed bank and seedling pool.