The Emergence Force of Forage Legume Seedlings and Their Response to Temperature 1

SEEDLING emergence is often a critical phase in the establishment of small-seeded legume species. Germina.tion, the first step in the emergence process, is influenced by moisture, oxygen, carbon dioxide, light, temperature, soil pH, mineral nutrition, dormancy, and microorganisms, according to Hagan (8). In addition a newly germinated seedling must successfully accomplish a second step, force its way through a covering layer of soil. Seedbeds for range land and pasture plantings are often rough, and excessive depth of planting frequently occurs. Moreover, soil crusts (9, 10) and soil compaction (12, 15) often impede seedling emergence.