Effect of aggregate size on water uptake by peanut seeds

In a lateritic sandy clay loam soil contained in a soil bin, three aggregate size ranges (0.25–0.50, 1.0–2.0 and 2.0–4.0 mm) were established by different tillage intensity to vary the seed—soil contact and to determine the best seedbed for peanut seedling emergence. The general objective was to study the water uptake and diffusivity of the seeds as well as the aeration, water transmission and thermal properties of the seedbed. In the seedbed with the finest aggregate size, the water uptake was maximum and the time needed for germination was least.