Abstract

For cultivated crops, the depth at which the seed material is placed in the soil has an important bearing on growth and ultimate yield. While placement of the seed at a depth desirable to ensure optimum germination varies from crop to crop, it is also influenced by various factors such as the size of seed and its viability, the physical nature of the soil, the slope of the terrain and the extent of rains received after sowing. Very small-sized seeds would require only a thin layer of soil as cover and, if sown deeper, may result in low germination and loss of stand. At the same time, the soil cover, while admitting easy emergence of the plumule on germination, should be good enough to protect the germinating seed from direct rays of the hot sun or the beating effect of sharp showers. Correct depth of sowing is that one which ensures the optimum soil-cover for seed against climatic factors, and facilitates easy germination and firm anchorage for the developing young plants.

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