Effects of Temperature and Humidity on the Germination of Two Pioneer Species in Ecological Restoration

Abstract

Seed germination and seedling establishment is a critical stage in the life cycle. Cynodon dactylon and Medicago sativa are two important species using in ecological restoration. Control experiments were employed to test the effects of temperature and humidity on the germination of the two pioneer species. The experiment included three temperature treatment level (15, 20, 25 °C) and four humidity treatment (5, 10, 15, 20 %) with three repeats. Results showed that temperature and humidity had significant effects on the germination of both species seeds. Seed germination of C. dactylon fluctuated with the increasing temperature, but increased with the increasing humidity. The optimal germination temperature and humidity for C. dactylon seeds was 20 °C and 20 % respectively. Seed germination of M. sativa increased with the increasing temperature meanwhile fluctuated with the increasing humidity. The optimal germination temperature and humidity for M. sativa seeds was 25 °C and 10 % respectively. It is critical to provide suitable soil humidity for seed germination in the ecological engineering.