Effect of soil composition on seed germination of Pinus halepensis Mill.

Present research was aimed to study 1- the effect of soil-media on seed germination of Pinus halepensis Mill. and 2- the increase of seed germination and seedling production in nursery of Koloudeh, located in Amol city, Iran. Seeds were sown in plastic pots at four different soil treatments including: a- nursery soil (control), b- control soil+ cattle manure (5:1), c- control soil+ litter (5:1), d- control soil+ cattle manure+ litter (5:1:1). The experiment was set up as completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. Results demonstrated that among the soil treatments there was a significant difference in attributes as germination rate, mean daily germination and germination energy but no significant differences were found in maximum mean daily germination, germination speed, mean germination time, germination value and Kotowski coefficient of velocity. There was a highly significant correlation between germination rate and mean daily germination with different soil composition. Seed germination rate was highest where decomposed litter was mixed with control soil+ cattle manure+ litter (5:1:1). From this investigation it is deduced that organic matter improves seed germination of Pinus halepensis, due to the suitability of seedbed. Thus, it can be proposed that in order to enhance the qualitative and quantitative of seedling production of this species, the condition of soil-media should be better considered in nurseries.