Roberto Benech-Arnold, Rodolfo Sanchez

Preface SECTION I: GERMINATION IN THE SOIL AND STAND ESTABLISHMENT Chapter 1. Seedbed PreparationThe Soil Physical Environment of Germinating Seeds (Amos Hadas) Introduction Environmental Requirements of Germinating Seed Soil EnvironmentPhysical Aspects Seedbed Preparation, Characterization of Seedbed Attributes, and Seedbed Environment Conditions and Seed Germination Water Uptake by Seeds and Seedlings Seed-Soil Water Relationships Modeling Seed Germination and Seedbed Physical Attributes Concluding Remarks Chapter 2. The Use of Population-Based Threshold Models to Describe and Predict the Effects of Seedbed Environment on Germination and Seedling Emergence of Crops (William E. Finch-Savage) Introduction Imbibition Germination Other Germination Models Postgermination Seedling Growth Threshold Models: Prediction of Germination and Emergence Patterns in the Field Summary and Conclusions Appendix Chapter 3. Seed and Agronomic Factors Associated with Germination Under Temperature and Water Stress (Mark A. Bennett) Introduction Seed Coats Seed Size Seed Water Uptake Radicle Emergence and Root System Development Genetic Links to Germination Temperature Limits Seed Production and Seed Vigor Sowing Depths and Planter Technology Tillage Systems and Soil Structure Effects Interactions with Seed Treatments and Other Crop Protection Chemicals Screening Protocols for Germination Tolerance to Low Temperature and Water Stress