Seed and Soil Preparation for Successful Germination: Treatments, Sterilization, and Planting Depth

Seed Treatments

• Scarification: Nick or abrade hard coats (e.g., legumes).
• Stratification: Cold-moist period to break dormancy (e.g., 210 days: 105 days room temp in moist peat, then 105 days refrigerated).
• Washing: Soak 24–48 hrs in warm water; removes inhibitors, pests. For tropical fruits (lychee, rambutan), use 50°C water for 20 mins to kill pathogens.

Soil Preparation

• Use disease-free medium.
• Pasteurization: Heat soil to 120°C for 15 mins (kills most pathogens, keeps beneficials).
• Sterilization: Higher heat for difficult seeds; kills all organisms.
• Ideal mix: mineral-rich, slightly acidic, well-drained.

Planting Depth

Cover seeds with soil 2–3 times their diameter. Some need light—press onto surface only.

Row Spacing (Field Scale)

Grains/legumes: rows ~70 cm apart; precision seeders optimize spacing and yield.

Fertilization Note

Siphonogamy (pollen tube growth) enables fertilization in gymnosperms and angiosperms; double fertilization in flowering plants forms zygote and endosperm.