Emergence of lupins from a hard setting soil compared with peas, wheat and medic

Abstract

The formation of a hard crust on a soil can severely decrease seedling emergence. The magnitude of the effect depends on a number of characteristics of the seed and seedling.The emergence of two species of lupin was compared with that of peas, wheat and medics. Seeds were sown into a sandy-clay loam where a hard crust was allowed to develop and where crust formation was reduced by the application of CaSO4.Emergence of seedlings with an epigeal pattern of emergence was reduced by crust formation. Emergence of Lupinus angustifolius and medics was severely reduced by crust formation, whereas emergence of the larger seeded L. albus was only slightly affected. In contrast to the epigeal seedlings, emergence of peas and wheat was unaffected by crust formation. Sowing lupins deeper exacerbated the problem.Seed size and pattern of emergence appeared to be the major factors determining the success of establishment of these species.