Effect of sowing depth on plant establishment, tillering capacity and other agronomic characters of cereals

Abstract

SummaryIn field trials conducted over 8 years the effect of sowing depth on plant establishment, tillering capacity, plant height, grain yield, top growth weight and patterns of root development of wheat and barley was studied. Establishment, number of grainbearing tillers per established plant, plant height at maturity and grain yield and top growth weight per plot as well as per plant were reduced with increase in sowing depth from 2 to 20 cm. Seedling emergence started earlier from large seeds and from shallow sowing. Establishment from large seeds of two varieties was better, especially for deep sowing and in clay soils. Several patterns of root and tiller development were observed at various sowing depths. Varietal differences in stand establishment under field conditions were not related to plant height. It was concluded that deep sowing beyond around 10 cm should be avoided because stand and plant vigour are adversely affected.