Studies of the effects of soil aggregate size on the emergence and growth of beet (Beta vulgaris L.) I. Seedling emergence

Abstract

A fine soil separate gave the highest and most rapid seedling emergence. This was considered to be due to its better moisture supply characteristics and the lower mechanical impedance compared with coarser seed-beds. There was no evidence that natural seed clusters are any less responsive to soil aggregate size than processed beet seed clusters.Consolidation slightly hastened emergence, though the mechanism of this is not clear. Sowing at ¾ in. was superior to deeper sowing (1½ in.), both in speed of emergence and in ultimate emergence. This was partly an effect of decreased mechanical impedance, and partly due to the shorter period over which the seedlings were susceptible to pathogens. Heavy dressings of soluble fertilizers were found to delay emergence, though without effect on the ultimate emergence.