Effect of Soil Matric Potential and Seeding Depth on Emergence of Barley1

Abstract

AbstractAdequate crop stands resulting from vigorous seedling emergence is important for optimum crop production. Seedling emergence is usually influenced by soil water potential and seedling depth as well as other environmental factors. The effects of soil matric potential and seeding depth on emergence percent and rate of emergence of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were investigated. Seedling emergence of ‘Zarjo’ cultivar of barley was measured in a Calcixerollic Xerochrept soil at −0.6 to −30.0 bars soil matric potentials and at 2 to 12 cm seedling depths in the greenhouse. Cultivar response to seeding depth was determined by seedling emergence measurements of ‘Torsh’, Zarjo, and ‘Shaneii’ cultivars at seeding depths of 2 to 12 cm under the same experimental conditions. Soil matric potential of ‘30.0 bars reduced the seedling emergence of Zarjo and resulted in the lowest emergence rate. However, soil matric potentials of −0.6 and −1.5 bars also reduced Zarjo emergence at the 12‐cm seeding depth. Seedling emergence and emergence rate of Zarjo were lower at the 12 cm seeding depth at all levels of soil matric potentials. The emergence rate was also reduced at the 8‐cm seeding depth, but only at −30.0 bars. Seedling emergence of Shaneii was found to be lower than that of the Torsh and Zarjo cultivars. The rates of emergence of the cultivars were not greatly different at the various seeding depths.