Predicting Seedling Emergence Using a Hydrothermal Time Model

Authors

Jeffrey R. Taylor, Brigham Young University
Dr. Bruce A. Roundy, Brigham Young University

Keywords

seedling emergence, hydrothermal time model, weedy species, soil moisture

College

Life Sciences

Department

Plant and Wildlife Sciences

Abstract

A hydrothermal time model can be a useful tool to predict when seeds will germinate. These models use soil moisture and temperature data to predict when a seed will germinate and can be applied to a variety of species and under the dynamic environmental conditions of field seedbeds.1 Understanding the conditions necessary for desirable or weedy species to emerge can help land managers control weedy species and establish useful plants. Validation of hydrothermal models require accurate measurements of soil water potential in the vicinity of seeds. The purpose of this experiment was twofold: 1) To compare four soil moisture sensors 2) To see how well each soil moisture sensor predicts germination using a hydrothermal time model.

Recommended Citation

Taylor, Jeffrey R. and Roundy, Dr. Bruce A. (2014) "Predicting Seedling Emergence Using a Hydrothermal Time Model," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 966.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/966