Effect of nitrogen deposition on seed germination of ephemeral species in the cold desert

Abstract

Seed germination is the key initial stage in the plant life cycle and strongly regulated by the external environment. Nitrogen deposition is an important environmental change factor that is increasing and affecting the structure and function of many ecosystems. This research aimed to investigate the effect of nitrogen deposition on the seed germination of nine ephemeral plants, including seed germination percentage, germination index and seed viability under four levels of nitrogen deposition. The germination percentage of the studied species differed significantly in response to nitrogen deposition, but nitrogen deposition has almost no significant effect on germination index. This study can provide information on the germination strategy of ephemeral plants in response to increasing nitrogen deposition in future, and the results can guide ecological conservation in arid areas.