Effect of Low Temperature and Excess Water Application on Germination and Seedling Characteristics of Common Vetch

Low temperature and excess water in the spring are the most important factors affecting seed germination and seedling growth under cool climate. This study was conducted to determine the effect of low temperatures and excess water on germination and seedling characteristics of common vetch. The results showed that the low temperature delayed seed germination and excess water caused it to increase firstly and then decrease. Low temperature negatively affected plant height, shoot dry matter production, leachate electrical conductivity (EC) and leachate pH. Excess water had not effect on root dry matter production and root leachate pH. Except for shoot dry matter production, 2 times per week excess water application positively affected investigated parameters. Low temperature and excess water interactions are significant all parameters except for root leachate pH. As a result of this study, low temperature and excess water were a stress source, therefore soil temperature should reach about 9°C and provide proper aeration condition for a successful establishment in the spring at the cool climate.