ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF SOIL MOISTURE ON GERMINATION OF WINTER WHEAT (2024)

FAQs

What is the effect of soil moisture on germination? ›

Water is considered the primary germination regulator, as germination begins with seed imbibition. Sufficient moisture must be present for germination to take place. Some research studies stated that a lack of water availability is the primary limitation affecting seed germination [14,15].

Wheat seed should be planted into soils between 54 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Soil must have 35–45 percent water by weight in order for the seed to imbibe enough water to germinate, according to a 1975 publication in the journal “Crop Physiology” by L.T. Evans.

Soil water potential or the amount of water available in the soil also controls the rate of germination and emergence. When the soil moisture content is low or has low soil water potential, the rate of germination is delayed, seeds may become infected with pathogens, and the stands will be thin with weakened plants.

If the moisture in the seed is higher than 45-60% then germination takes place. However, from this moisture range down to 18-20% respiration is extremely high, both seed respiration and respiration of microorganisms. Heating can occur where there is little or no aeration.

Water dissolves the minerals in the soil so that they become available to the seed. Because water has a neutral pH, it balances the soil pH and makes it favorable for seed germination. Imbibition of water causes the seed coat to swell and allows the cells of the embryo to rehydrate.

Seed moisture content

If seeds are kept at high moisture content the losses could be very rapid due to mould growth very low moisture content below 4% may also damage seeds due to extreme desiccation or cause hard seededness in some crops.

Total seasonal water requirement for both spring and winter wheat are about 18 to 24 inches, depending on location and seasonal weather variations, with spring wheat typically using a few more inches of water than winter wheat (Bauder).

Given the widespread wet conditions present this spring, there are many areas in winter wheat fields with both ponding and saturated (or waterlogged) soils. Like many crops, winter wheat can survive about 3-4 days underwater as long as there are some leaves showing.

Wheat seed needs a minimum water content of 35 to 45% of its dry weight to initiate germination, and germination will be more complete as moisture levels increase. Dry soils can still maintain a relative humidity of 99%, which can provide enough moisture for seeds to germinate.

Environmental factors such as temperature, light, pH, and soil moisture are known to affect seed germination (Chachalis and Reddy 2000; Taylorson 1987). Burial depth of seed also affects seed germination and seedling emer- gence. Weed seedlings may emerge from the soil surface to 15 cm deep (Bello et al.

Do seeds need constant moisture to germinate? ›

Moisture is critical for germinating seeds. They like a moist but not soggy environment. Seeds require oxygen and, if kept waterlogged, may rot. On the other hand, if the soil dries out, the seed will lose whatever water it has absorbed and die.

Too much water can rot seeds before they get to grow. If you give soil too much water, the water fills in all of the air pockets in the soil. This means that your plant's roots can't breathe and get stressed. They may rot as well.

Seeds require a percentage of moisture by their weight before germination takes place. Having adequate moisture in terms of stored soil water and early spring precipitation plays a large role in successful and rapid germination, at the correct temperature. Dependent on soil type: e.g. >25-30% VWC.

For seeds to germinate, you need to keep the growing soil damp but not too wet. Learning how to water seedlings is pivotal for success. Many seed starters cover the container to keep soil moist until seeds germinate. Once seeds sprout, do not miss a watering.

Humidity is important too. Seedlings need a minimum of 35 percent relative humidity, and the optimum is around 60 percent. To achieve the latter, you may have to place your trays and pots on pebbles in standing water. Air circulation is another vital component to good plant growth.

For optimal plant growth, soil should be neither too wet nor too dry. Soils that are too wet can lead to nutrient leaching. Soils that are too dry can mean decreased crop yield and quality.

Impact Of Soil Moisture On Plant Growth

It reflects not only the water content in a particular zone but also the health of the field. The roots of plants absorb water first, so their condition directly depends on its amount and aeration. Ultimately, the soil moisture effect on plants and the yield is vital.

Soils with a lot of plant residue in the top four inches and soils that form a crust when dry may also prevent effective germination and emergence. Seeds need air and moisture to germinate. This can be achieved by sowing seeds in soils that are loose and have a fine crumb structure.

As seeds absorb water, they grow and hydrate enzymes and food supplies. Hydrated enzymes become active and the seed increases its metabolic activity to generate energy for the process of development. Furthermore, the water leads stress in the cells to rise and they can enlarge.