EFFECT OF SOIL WATER AND TEMPERATURE ON CORN (Zea mays L.) ROOT GROWTH DURING EMERGENCE

Abstract

Root growth between germination and emergence for the corn hybrids Pioneer 3995, Northrup King 403 and Pride 1108 was studied. Soil temperatures of 15, 19, 25 and 30.5 °C and a range of soil water contents were used. Decreases in soil temperature and water content both decreased root growth rate. Sensitivity to water content decreased with decreasing soil temperature. All three hybrids responded to soil temperature in the same way. By contrast, Pioneer 3995 was less sensitive to soil water stress than was Northrup King 403, while Pride 1108 was the most sensitive. Key words: Soil water, soil temperature, root growth (early), corn