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Effects of Soil Water Holding Capacity on the Cold Test for Soybeans

Two types of soil varying in water holding capacity (WHC) were used for the cold test. The same seed lot of ‘Wells’ soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) showed 71% emergence in a muck soil (WHC 78% w/w) in contrast to 2% in a silt loam (WHC 25% w/w). Soil sterilization slightly increased the emergence percentage in both soils. Modifying the WHC of the muck soil with the addition of sand showed a significant decrease in the emergence percentage at a level of 42% but not at 52%. Seedling length also varied among soils of different WHC. Similar emergence percentages were obtained in the silt loam soil and the muck soil after the WHC of both soils had been adjusted to approximately 50% w/w by the addition of sand. However, other additives tested caused a decrease in germination. Results of the cold test using a soil with WHC of 52% showed high correlation with the field emergence of five seed lots of three cultivars in two different plantings under stress conditions (r – 0.91 and 0.96). Evidence, however, indicated that cold tests failed to predict seed vigor in ‘Evans’ soybeans.

Key Words: Glycine max (L.) Merr. • Seed quality and Vigor test

Received for publication April 13, 1978.