The role of limited oxygen supply and soil microorganisms on germination and survival of lupin seeds (Lupinus angustifolius L. cv. Gungurru) in waterlogged soil

Abstract

The role of limited oxygen supply and soil microorganisms in the germination and survival of lupin seeds was studied in waterlogged soil and in solution culture at low oxygen pressures. Oxygen pressures in soil solutions decreased with time in all waterlogged soil treatments and in stagnant solution culture containing seeds. No seeds germinated in unsterilised waterlogged soil, but up to 95% of seeds germinated after 6 days in sterilised waterlogged soil. Germination and survival of seeds decreased significantly with time in solution cultures at 0 or 2 kPa O2, but remained high at 21 kPa O2. These solution culture studies confirmed that low oxygen supply in soil during waterlogging, which resulted mainly from activity of micro-oganisms, was the major factor causing the reduction in survival of lupin seed in waterlogged soil.