Effect of soil moisture tension and density upon corn seedling emergence

Seed germination in the field is of prime importance for successful development of a crop. Various factors like the moisture content in the soil, the soil texture and structure, the type of soil clay, the ionic environment and other factors influence the germination and emergence of a seedling from the soil. The factors pertaining to the seed itself like type of seed, its vigor, the condition of the seed being free from diseases and pests, etc., also influence the germination and stand of a crop. Although some of the above factors have been recognized to have their individualistic influence on the germination of seeds, not much comprehensive work has been done to test their combined effects, under conditions simulating those of the field.