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Soybean Seedling Emergence Influenced by Days of Soil Water Stress and Soil Temperature
Author(s) -
Helms Theodore C.,
Deckard Edward,
Goos Robert J.,
Enz John W.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1996.00021962008800040026x
Subject(s) - seedling , radicle , germination , agronomy , water content , water stress , imbibition , soil water , water potential , environmental science , horticulture , biology , soil science , geology , geotechnical engineering
Soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] producers often plant into a dry seed bed rather than waiting until soil water conditions are optimum for germination and emergence. In some cases, there is sufficient water for imbibition, but not enough for germination. Producers need to know how long seeds can remain viable under this type of stress. Our objective was to evaluate, under controlled conditions, the influence of soil temperature, soil water content, and duration of stress on soybean emergence and seedling development. Our experiment consisted of a factorial combination of (i) three temperatures regimes (low, 17/8°C day/night; medium, 21/12°C, and high, 25/16°C), (ii) four gravimetric soil water contents (0.07, 0.09, 0.11, and 0.13 kg kg −1 ), and (iii) three stress durations (0, 6, and 12 d). Soil water content influenced seedling development and emergence, and there was a significant temperature ✕ soil water interaction for both traits. Length of stress also influenced seedling development and emergence. In general, emergence was poor after 12 or more days of soil water conditions that allowed seeds to imbibe water, but were too dry to allow the radicle to emerge from the testa. Under these conditions, seedling emergence decreased as soil temperature increased. Producers can use this information regarding the length of stress interval at a given seed stage as indication of when replanting would be necessary.