Factors Influencing Depth of Seeding

The success of direct seeding of woody plants along roadsides depends, in large measure, on the germinability of seed and environmental conditions in which the seed is planted. Knowledge of seed germinability and the range of optimum environmental conditions for seed germination and emergence will assist in selecting species and times of planting for specific conditions that may be encountered. Moisture, temperature, light, and oxygen influence germination. Seed size, as well as the genetic makeup of seeds, also affect germination (1). When each environmental factor affecting germination is within a favorable range, a viable seed will germinate providing no seed dormancy is present (4). The optimum seeding depth is the one at which each of these factors is favorable for germination and emergence. This paper discusses the influence of soil temperature, soil texture, and depth of seed placement on the emergence of three woody-plant species having different sized seeds. How seed size, soil temperature, and soil texture affected depth of seeding were evaluated.

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Author(s): F. J. Chan, R. W. Harris, Andrew T. Leiser, Jack L. Paul

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 20, Number 2 (1969)

Volume: 20

Number: 2