Soil Crust Formation and Seedling Emergence in Relation to Rainfall Intensity and Mode of Sowing

Field trials with three simulated rainfall intensities (0, 1.47 and 2.11 cm/min) and three modes of sowing (ridge, furrow, and flat) were undertaken to find out the effect of soil crust formation on the emergence of mustard and sunflower seedlings. The results indicated maximum emergence ranging from 69–80% for mustard and 60–65% for sunflower under no rainfall-conditions (no crust formation). However, under low and high rainfall intensity conditions (low and high crust strengths, respectively] the emergence was found to range from 59–75% and 38–54% for mustard and 39–57% and 21–40% for sunflower, respectively. Harrowing and sprinkling water treatments were found to lower crust strength and thus improved the emergence of seedlings. The use of double seed rate and 10% phosphoric acid solution at the rate of 1000 l/ha was not found effective in improving seedling emergence.