Moisture Storage Capacity and Postplanting Patterns of Moisture Movement from Seedling Containers

Abstract

A study was made on the movement of water from permeable-, partially-permeable-, and impermeable-walled seedling containers, filled with either peat or a peat and mineral soil mixture, into sand and loam planting soils. Irrespective of container type, there was rapid outward movement of from 15 to 39% of moisture initially stored in the containers to the surrounding soil within a few days of planting. Distinct wetting front patterns emanating from each type of container suggested that the path and eventual location of the moving moisture may be more critical for seedling survival than the amount moving into the surrounding planting soil. Radial moisture movement from the interface between the container and the soil to the soil surface from permeable- and partially-permeable-walled containers (Jiffy peat pot and Conwed tube) may aggravate evaporational losses. Elimination of radial moisture movement from an impermeable-walled container (Ontario tube) and limitation of outward flow from the open bottom to the root zone appear to be advantageous for seedling survival. Specifications for redesign of seedling containers for reforestation work are suggested.