Effects of soil packing on seed germination and seedling response
Date
1972
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Doctoral
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the methods
of post-seeding packing which would be beneficial to wheat
seedlings and consequently to suggest the types of packers
which could be used to the best advantage on the farm.
The experiments were conducted in a humidity controlled
chamber with Manitou wheat seeded in clay loam soil. After
seeding, the soil samples contained in cylinders were compacted
with a flat surface at seed level or above the seed. In some
cases loose soil was spread on the soil surface. The control
was uncompacted soil sample. In two experiments two layers
of soil with different moisture contents were used; wet
consolidated soil at the bottom and dry loose soil on top.
The depth of seeding was about 6 cm. Kernel moisture
absorption, germination emergence and the heights of seedlings were
determined. Statistical analyses were carried out on the data.
Packing at seed level only, promoted early emergence.
This called for an introduction of a packer which would
pack the soil at seed level and leave the soil above the seed
loose. However packing above the seed was useful when there
was enough moisture below while the moisture content of the
soil at the seed level was not enough to sustain the seedling
up to emergence. In this circumstance, packers on the farm
could be usefully employed. Initial moisture absorption rate
and germination of the wheat seed was independent of packing
for the soil conditions considered.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Agricultural Engineering
Program
Agricultural Engineering
Advisor
Bigsby, Floyd Wilber
Committee
Zoerb, Gerald Charles