Abstract: The field investigation method was used to analyze the soil seed bank level and seed germination characteristics of Malus sieversii population in different habitats and different directions in Emin County, and to understand the spatial distribution pattern of Malus sieversii soil seed bank in Emin County, in order to explore the restrictive factors and mechanism of seedling regeneration of Malus sieversii. The results showed that, the average total density of the soil seed bank of Malus sieversii was 10.20 grains/m². There were great differences in the number of seeds with different retention conditions in the soil, which was rotten seed > empty seed > intact seed. The germination rate of intact seeds was low. There was no significant difference in seed storage among different habitats, which showed as follows： sunny slope>shady slope>valley bottom. In vertical space, the number of seeds decreased with the increase of soil depth, and the density of the soil seed bank changed little in different habitats. Most of the seeds fell into the litter layer, and the litter layer would hinder the seed contact with the soil and germination. Disturbing the surface litter layer was helpful for Malus sieversii seeds to enter the soil and germinate. The poor renewal of the soil seed bank might be the reason why the number of seedlings of Malus sieversii was rare and the reproduction of the population was difficult to sustain.

Key words: Malus sieversii, soil seed bank, spatial distribution