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Applying granulated and hydrated hydrophilic polymers at sowing to sustainseedling establishment of spring turnip rape
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 January 2011
Summary
Optimal temperature and soil moisture conditions for germination of spring turnip rape(Brassica rapa L. subsp. oleifera DC.) are not oftenrealized in Finland. New tools for better establishment, such as water-storing polymers,could ensure a good start for yield formation. Because technologies in field cropping mustbe cost effective and easy to carry out, the amounts of polymers applied per hectareshould be small. After recording non-significant effects of granulated polymers underfield conditions and reduced emergence under dry conditions in pots, hydratedpolyacrylamide (PAM) was placed under the seeds during drilling, a technique referred toas gel-sowing. Slightly acid PAM polymer hydrated with water was used (5–7 gPAM/kg gel). The gel was pumped directly under the seeds at application rates of1·0–3·4 kg PAM/ha. The PAM gel did not reduce the need forcareful preparation of the soil bed and accurate timing of sowing, but when theseprerequisites were fulfilled, the gel sustained early establishment and seedling growth.The gel helped when circumstances after sowing did not favour germination or earlyestablishment. However, accurate placing of PAM gel under the seeds is challenging andfurther improvements in the technique of gel-sowing could enhance its positiveeffects.
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- Crops and Soils
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- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011