Influence of Soil Water Matric Potential and Hydraulic Conductivity on the Germination of Rape (Brassica napusL.)

Abstract

The influence of matric potential and hydraulic conductivity on the water absorption and germination of rape (Brassica napus L.) was investigated by comparative studies in three seed-soil water systems. In all systems the rate of germination and total germination were substantially retarded with decreasing matric potential. Hydraulic conductivity of the soil system was demonstrated to be a limiting factor in the germination process. The effects of matric potential and hydraulic conductivity on water absorption followed closely those demonstrated for germination. The influence of matric potential was shown to be comparable to that of osmotic potential provided consideration was given to the hydraulic properties of the soil-seed system.