Summary
Maize (variety White Horsetooth) was sown at depths of 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 cm in pot and field experiments and at 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 cm in field experiments.Ultimate % emergence andtime for 50% emergence were determined, and soil temperature measurements were made. Emergence was reduced at all depths greater than 2.5 cm when soil moisture conditions were maintained near field capacity. However the optimal depth of sowings in the field may be 5 or even 10 cm during periods of drought. The relationships between soil temperature and depth are compared for field and pot conditions and the dangers of extrapolating from the pot to the field are emphasised. The factors which should be considered in deciding the depth at which maize should best be sown are discussed.
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Ludwig, J.W., Harper, J.L. The influence of the environment on seed and seedling-mortality. Plant Soil 10, 37–48 (1958). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01343736
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01343736