The preparation of the germinating bed is the most important link in plant culture technology without which the optimal result in qualitative and quantitative terms could not be obtained. Actually, the preparation of the germinating bed is a secondary work of the soil that is executed after plowing and consists in the fragmentation, crushing of the clod andstructural macro-aggregates of the soil in order to achieve a uniform surface, that is to say, a layer, “loose, well-sharpened and uniform”. The work is in fact composed of several operations in relation to the type of soil, the cultivated plant and the technical equipment used. The germination bed preparation works in the experimental fields are performed in similar conditions as in field works but with more attention. These require the rational use of resources and the use of technical equipment that does not cause environmental disturbance. Achieving unprepared land is essential in order to achieve uniform conditions of seed germination, growth and uniform development of all plants. Works must comply with all agro-technical requirements, especially those relating to the epoch and time of execution. The preparation of the germinating bed consists in the mobilization, crushing and loosing of the soil at a depth equal to 1 or 2 cm bigger than the depth of sowing, to ensure conditions of humidity, light and heat for uniform germination and breeding. If these conditions are not met, seed germination and breeding are staggered, resulting gaps in the crop, and there will be great risks for the attack of phytopathogenic agents, resulting in decreased production. The germination bed preparation works in experimental fields are usually executed with disc harrow and agricultural milling, the movements being oblique and perpendicular to the direction of the plowing, in order to obtain maximum uniformity. Avoid excessive soil mowing, which could adversely affect the results of the experiments, but do not leave any bulbs that could negatively affect the quality of the crops. For all ground preparation work, it is recommended not to perform machine overturns on the experimental field surface, but outside it.

germination bed, technical equipment, experimental field, qualitative indices

sciences soil

Presentation: oral