Impact of Soil Temperature on Plant Growth and Maturation Processes
Soil temperature plays a crucial role in the growth and development of plants, influencing various processes from seed germination to microbial activity.
One of the most significant impacts of soil temperature is on seed germination. The optimal soil temperature for radicle growth is 20°C, while the shoot can grow in a temperature range of 10-25°C. The seedling growth is significantly influenced by temperature, with 20°C being the optimum temperature for seedling development. However, some plants like cannabis and Mimosa x Orange Punch cannabis seeds have their germination delayed or completely stopped by low soil temperatures below about 20–21°C (68–70°F). Similarly, students’ flowers require soil temperatures around 18–22°C for proper germination.
Water availability is another critical factor in germination. Water acts as a trigger for the germination process to begin and the TKW method, which considers the seed weight and size, provides a more accurate aspect of water application. Low temperatures can reduce water uptake due to increased water viscosity, while high temperatures can be detrimental to seeds.
Soil temperature also affects the rate of germination, with optimal temperature ranges varying for different plants. For instance, an increase in soil temperature increases the activity of extracellular enzymes that degrade polymeric organic matter in the soil, increasing microbial activity and the decomposition of organic matter. This, in turn, affects the mineralization of various organic materials in the soil.
The decomposition rate of organic matter slows down at lower temperatures due to decreased microbial activities and biochemical processes. However, a study by Onwuka and Mang (2018) found that soil temperature between 2°C and 38°C increases organic matter decomposition by stimulating microbial activities.
Soil temperature influences the growth rates of different bacterial phyla and microbial communities. It also affects a range of soil processes, including physical, chemical, and biological ones. For example, soil temperature affects soil water retention, transmission, and availability to plants.
Moreover, soil temperature influences the availability of water for seed germination. Water intake is a prerequisite for germination, required for seed imbibition, enzymatic activation, degradation, translocation, and the utilisation of reserve storage material.
Another study by Robinson et al. (2022) found that soil temperature does not influence organic matter content or decomposition rate, but organic matter content drives the spatial variation in microorganism abundances and mineral nitrogen availability.
In conclusion, soil temperature plays a vital role in plant growth and germination, influencing a multitude of processes from seed germination to microbial activity. Understanding these relationships can help in optimising agricultural practices for improved crop yields and healthier soil ecosystems.
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