Seed germination is one of the processes that occurs in the initial phase and that promotes the success of a crop. During this process, the seed develops according to the interference of several internal and external environmental factors that, if not managed efficiently, can compromise the quality of the crop establishment.
One of the main factors that interferes during the germination phase is soil temperature, with the ideal range for the seed being 25 °C to 30 °C, and temperatures above 35 °C can affect germination. It is recommended to manage straw on the soil, reducing the soil temperature when the air temperature rises, and causing fewer temperature fluctuations in the soil.
Seed quality is directly linked to germination quality. Seeds with low physiological quality have lower viability, impairing germination. It is necessary to use certified seeds, with high vigor and germination, as well as their correct storage. Seed treatment is the most efficient way to protect them against diseases and pests that could compromise germination.
Finally, there are biological factors that can affect germination, such as the presence of soil pathogens. These can infect the seeds, interrupting the germination processes, and can even cause the death of the seedlings. To reduce this risk, it is necessary to use treated seeds and rotate crops that do not host these pathogens, breaking the development cycle of these diseases. These are effective strategies for reducing disease pressure and increasing germination.
Soil moisture also directly interferes with the germination process, as soybean seeds require a specific amount of water to hydrate and resume their development. Therefore, very dry soils do not provide the required amount of water for the seeds, while waterlogged soils cause a lack of oxygen, which causes seed rot, enhanced by soil pathogens. To overcome this situation, it is necessary to monitor soil moisture before soybean sowing and also monitor the weather forecast in the days after sowing so that the crop can be properly established.
Therefore, understanding how environmental factors affect the germination of soybean seeds is crucial, as it will be possible to control and manage them to optimize the percentage, speed and uniformity of germination, which will result in reduced costs and in high productive potential in the field.
Text written by Diego Outeiro de Jesus and Rayssa Isadora Gutkoski, members of AGR Jr. Consultoria Agronômica, Junior Company of the Agronomy Course at UFSM Campus Frederico Westphalen, under the guidance of professor Dr. Gizelli Moiano de Paula.
References:
AEGRO. “Soybean seed: see how to guarantee the best quality”. Available at: https://blog.aegro.com.br/. Accessed on: October 17, 2024.
CYSY CONCHAS LIMESTONES (Santa Catarina). Main factors that can affect seed germination. Available at: Main factors that can affect seed germination. Accessed on: 20 Oct. 2024.
EMBRAPA Soy. “Soybean production technology – Central Region of Brazil 2020”. Londrina: Embrapa Soja, 2020.
HENNING, A. A.; FRANÇA-NETO, J. B.; KRZYZANOWSKI, F. C. “Factors affecting soybean germination”. Embrapa Soja, Londrina, 2018.
AGROGALAXY UNIVERSE. “How to ensure good germination of soybean seeds?” Available at: https://universo.agrogalaxy.com.br/ . Accessed on: October 7, 2024.
