WATER ABSORPTION BY WHEAT SEEDS AS INFLUENCED BY HYDRAULIC PROPERTIES OF SOIL

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Abstract
Water diffusivity and hydraulic conductivity of wheat seeds were determined. At water contents approaching those required for germination, hydraulic conductivity of the seed was similar to those normally found in soils at the dry end of the available water range. Water uptake by seeds from soils indicated that both water potential and hydraulic conductivity of the soil influenced rate of water uptake. When seeds were buried in soil, water uptake rate was generally greater in the Chateauguay soil than in the Wellwood soil. This was a significant observation since at a given potential, hydraulic conductivity was greater in the Chateauguay than in the Wellwood soil. In view of these results it was concluded that seed hydraulic conductivity is a useful parameter in understanding water absorption by seeds from soil.

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