Effect of Tillage Technology Systems for Seed Germination Rate in a Laboratory Tests

Abstract

Reduced and soil-protective tillage technologies may represent certain negatives for cultivated crops associated with the biomass of mulch from intermediate crops and post-harvest residues. Sown crops, as well as field weeds, are exposed to impaired soil conditions. Soil conditions were assessed using biological tests. Eight plant species were chosen for the tests. Germination of tested plant species took place in controlled conditions in climaboxes. Seeds on Petri dishes were watered with soil leachates from three variants of tillage (Conventional, Minimum tillage, Direct sowing). Soil samples were collected from a 15-year field experiment. The soil leachates inhibited the germination rate of the chosen plant species. In the first term, all species exhibited a lower germination capacity in variants watered with the soil leachate. The reduced tillage technologies can apparently significantly slow down the germination rate in field crops and vegetables. Simple biological tests have the potential to assess the condition of arable soils.

Reduced Tillage, Application of Straw and Effective Microorganisms as Factors of Sustainable Agrotechnology in Winter Wheat Monoculture

“…Relatively good results were obtained when the grubber was used twice (A2), while direct sowing did not enable us to obtain conditions favorable to germination. According to Winkler et al [50], the reduced technologies of tillage may slow down the germination of seeds. The authors stated that in reduced tillage, the action of inhibitory substances may negatively affect germination rate.…”