USC 2017

May 31, 2017

Soybeans seeded on May 24th have germinated. Differences in germination sparked the question: Does seeding depth influence the speed of germination under drier soil moisture conditions? The hypocotyl length was greater for soybeans seeded slightly deeper in Team A plots (~1.25″ depth) compared to the shallower depth of Team B and C plots (~0.5″ depth). In a year with drier soil conditions, shallower depth may have contributed to slower germination. However, seeding of Team B and C plots at later hours than Team A plots may have also played a role.