THE GROWING PLANT

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 205, 15 September 1937, Page 13

THE GROWING PLANT

Good Cultivation Is Essential OBTAINING FOOD SUPPLIES Examination of the condition necessary for the germination of seed will enable the farmer to understand tho importance of seeuring a good seed-bed before seed sowing takes place. Each Seed contains the embryo of the future plant, known as the germ. This germ. is placed in contact with food material contained in the seed which is sufficient to supply the needs of the young plant until it has thrown out its small leaves and roots. When this food is exhausted the plant must depend upon the roots for the mineral food, which is drawn up in solution in soil moisturet and upon the leaves for the carbon whi.eh is absorbed from the air. The gfowth of the plant from material Stored within the seed is known as germination. Germination cannot proceed witfiout air and moisture. The oxygen from the air reuders the food soluble, and the water dissolves it, making it available for the use of the embryo. Warmth is also necessary for germination. This supplies tho energy necessary for the conversion of the stored food into soluble form. For thi3 reason germination is always more rapid in warm weather, and ls suspended in all farm seeds at or noar the freezing point of water. The littie roots produce very fine hairs xiear their extrexnities, aiyl these absorb the food from the soil. Tlie leaves can only absorb the food which they obtain from the air under the lnffuence of sunlight. It is necessary therefore that seed should be sown near the eurface of fine moist soil in order that all these conditions may bo fulfilled. If the soil has beexi broken into hafd lumps and there is an absCnce of tilth, much of the seed may drop down between the lumpg and be buried too deeply for tho air to get to it Or for the light to reach the first tiny leaves. Tlie lumps may be too hard , for the tender roots and leaves to push their way tliroiigli. The root hairs may also lack contact witli hue raoist soil, and tlius be unable to absorb moisture aud food requil'ed i'or growth. If these conditions i'or growth are not satisflod the seed or tho seedlings mav remaiu unproductivo and perish. llcnce thn pro* visiou of a suitable tilth is a vital faetor for the successful establishmoiit of all farm crops.