Investigation of the effect of Nucleus Mulch (MA-19) on seed germination and seedlings growth of Holoxylon and Qara-Dagh Nitraria

To replace oil mulches, this study examined the effect of degradable non-oil mulch under the brand name Nucleus (MA-19). This research assumed that the application of the mentioned mulch in biological stabilization projects has no adverse effects on seed germination and seedling growth. The effect of mulch was studied on the establishment of Haloxylon persicum and Nitraria schoberii in a pot experiment in weather conditions of Research Institute of Forests and Rangeland in Tehran, Iran in 2017-2019. Before the experiment, the seed germination test was made to ensure seeds which having standard germination. After determining the germination percentage of seeds (85-90%), seeds were planted in the greenhouse. Then, the soil surface of the pots was sprayed with mulch for comparison with the control. On the other hand, in potting experiments, which were in the form of planting seedlings, after placing the seedlings in the pot, the soil surface was sprayed with the mentioned mulch. The irrigation of the pots was uniform and equal to the field capacity of the soil and based on the soil moisture curve, which was done only once a month, depending on the weather conditions and temperature. Statistical test and comparison of means according to t-test results showed that mulch treatment did not have any negative effects on germination, viability, height, and diameter of seedlings, and in this regard, used mulch behaves as a control treatment (without mulch).