Abstract

Sowing depth of forage seed is an important factor in seed germination and emergence and varies according to crop. Ideal sowing should be performed at a depth sufficient to promote rapid and uniform germination, with minimal reserve expenditure and facilitating nutrient uptake by the plant. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of sowing depth on seed germination of forage species in the field. The experiment was implemented in September 2018. The design was completely randomized in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme with four replicates, being the first factor four forage cultivars: Urochloa ‘Xaraés’; Urochloa ‘Piatã’; Urochloa ruziziensis and Panicum maximum ‘Mombaça’; and the second factor four sowing depths: 0; 4; 7 and 10 cm. The variables evaluated were initial emergence; emergence at 10 days after sowing; emergence at 21 days after sowing and emergence speed index. Seeding at 0 cm provides greater emergence of seedlings for Urochloa brizantha ‘Piatã’, Urochloa brizantha ‘Xaraés’, Urochloa ruziziensis and Panicum maximum ‘Mombaça’. Seedling emergence reduced when sowing was performed at greater depths (4, 7, and 10 cm). If necessary, Urochloa brizantha ‘Piatã’ should be sown up to 7 cm. The sowing at 10 cm depth is not recommended for any of the studied cultivars.

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