Abstract: Five kinds of SAPs (A, B, C, D and E, 10% of seed weight) were used to coat [WTBX]Caragana microphylla[WTBZ] seeds, and 50 mL water was supplied every three days. Effects of five kinds of SAPs on seed germination and seedling growth of [WTBX]C. microphylla[WTBZ] under drought were studied. The results showed that the seed germination rate of [WTBX]C. microphylla[WTBZ] was affected significantly by water conditions, and the water absorbent capacities of different SAPs were significantly different. SAPs could be used to significantly improve the seed germination rate, germination potential, germination index, vigor index and seedling growth, and there was a positive correlation between the improving degree and the water absorbent capacity of SAPs. After coating [WTBX]C. microphylla[WTBZ] seeds with SAPs, the electrolytic leakage, MDA content, H2O2 content, proline content and POD activity of germinating seeds were significantly lower than those of control groups. The results of comprehensive test revealed that the effect of seed coating with the five kinds of SAPs was in an order of D>E>B>A>C.