ISSN:
0002-1962
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Triticum aestivum L.) seed was either provided with good seed–soil contact or separated from soil by fiberglass cloth. The germination system was sealed to prevent evaporation. At soil water potentials of −4.5 and −2.3 MPa, no seeds germinated in either treatment. When the soil water potential was −1.1 to −0.15 MPa, the average increase in germination time due to the absence of seed–soil contact was 0.3 d (5.6%). Days to germination ranged from 1.1 d at −0.15 MPa and 28°C, to 18.3 d at −1.1 MPa and 3°C. These results show that vapor transport may be the most important mechanism for imbibition and that liquid transport through seed–soil contact may make little contribution. Recognition of vapor transport as a sufficient, and perhaps dominant, mechanism for water transport between seed and soil should improve modeling efforts and planting equipment designs.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
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