| This study was performed to assess the effect of stone mulches plant by the riverside using field experiments. Treatments of different kinds of rock were conducted, and three parameters including germination rate, plant height and coverage were measured to estimate the ecological effect. The results showed that 60% stone coverage resulted in high germination rate, plant height, coverage of Mirabilis jalapa, being 85%, 95 cm, and 100%, respectively. For cosmos, 10% of stones coverage produced high germination rate, height, and plant coverage, being 65%, 95 cm, and 100%, respectively. Generally, plant performance for different habitats exhibited an order of main river channel＞flood basin＞alluvial flat. The results might be of significance for the development of riverside conservation practices. |