Effects of plant litter and soil burial on emergence and early growth of Saposhnikovia divaricata

In order to protect wild resources of Saposhnikovia divaricata, effects of plant litter and soil burial on seedling emergence and early growth was investigated. Soil burial increased 8.45% of emergence percentage, 15.29% of survival and 1.72 mg of biomass, and also increased leaf number and plant height; Emergence percentage and seedling survival increased as the weight of plant litter increased, in which the survival increased one time compared with the control. However, more than 100 g/m2 of plant litter would decrease plant height and biomass. Therefore, 50100 g/m2 of plant litter were ideal level for the growth. Overall, the optimal method for establishment of the plant likely to be buried with soil, and recovery of the plant seem to be enclosed but not to long period.