Abstract: Sprouting is one of the vegetative propagation modes of plants. This paper summarized the differences between two regeneration modes,i. e. , sprouting and seeding, the measurement of sprouting ability, the factors affecting sprouting processes, and the application of sprouting index in ecosystem assessment . Compared with seeding, sprouting regeneration shows strong ability in disturbance-resisting and vigorous growth of young ramets, which consequently accelerate the early succession of plant community. However, tree species in relatively stable habitats with fewer disturbances tend to regenerate by seeding. Sprouting shows uncertainty to some extent. There are many factors affecting sprouting, including stump height, the positions when the sprouts occur, root biomass and length, disturbance regimes and intensity, light environment, and availability of nutrient recourses. Theoretically, there is an optimum range of sprouting index in a healthy and stable forest ecosystem.

Key words: Qilian Moutains, Water source area, Drought resistibility, Water parameters