Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Document Type
Thesis
Date of this Version
1962
Citation
Thesis (M.S.)—University of Nebraska—Lincoln, 1962. Department of Agronomy.
Abstract
The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of varying soil temperature and moisture levels on sorghum emergence, growth, dry matter yield, and nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron uptake under field and controlled conditions. Soil moisture was determined daily, but irrigation was used only to maintain the soil above 50% available moisture. No specific moisture levels were attempted in the field study.
Seed lots used in the field experiment were obtained directly from the growers and selection was based on germination results of samples submitted for certification to the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association from crops grown in 1960. Two sorghum hybrids, R.S. 610 and R.S 608, and the variety Martin were selected for study. Two seed lots of each variety were obtained, one exhibiting high laboratory germination, the other slightly lower, to determine the relationship of seed viability to sorghum emergence and growth at various planting temperatures.
The most disturbing factor (among many others) in the field study was the erratic behavior of the plants in Temperature-Date III resulting from soil moisture deficiency. Results from the study also indicated that optimum emergence probably occurs at a minimum temperature of 65° F., which was the temperature at the planting time of Temperature-Date III in the field study. Many other discovers were made when comparing the such things as grain yield, germination level, dry weight and mineral content and mineral uptake between the plants surveyed.
Advisor: Gordon E. Van Riper.
Comments
Copyright 1962, the author. Used by permission.