The Effects of Irrigation and of Shelter from Wind on Emergence of Carrot and Cabbage Seedlings

Abstract

Summary The effect of shelter from wind on the emergence of carrot and cabbage seedlings was investigated on irrigated and unirrigated soil, and soil temperatures at seed depth (12 mm) were monitored. For both crops irrigation had the major influence on emergence. Shelter had no effect on the rate of emergence of cabbage, but significantly increased that of irrigated carrot. Shelter caused increases in soil temperature which were greater on dry than on irrigated soil; temperature differences between sheltered and unsheltered soil reached a maximum (up to 3°C, but usually 1°–2°C) and about 15.00 h and a minimum (usually less than 0.5°C) at about 06.00 h, but only very rarely was unsheltered soil warmer than sheltered soil. The effect of shelter on soil temperature was greater on sunny days than on dull days. The results are discussed in relation to previous shelter research.