Experimental Effects of Fluctuating Soil pH on Seed Germination and Early Root Development in Raphanus sativus, Lactuca sativa, and Vigna radiata

This study investigates how constant and fluctuating soil pH conditions influence seed germination and early root development in three crop species: Raphanus sativus, Lactuca sativa, and Vigna radiata. Seeds were grown under four soil pH treatments (pH 5, pH 7, pH 9, and a fluctuating treatment alternating among these conditions) in controlled laboratory experiments. Germination success and primary root length were measured to assess early seedling development. Results indicate that fluctuating soil pH conditions significantly reduced germination percentages and root growth compared with stable pH environments. These findings suggest that soil chemical stability may play an important role in early plant development and may have implications for agricultural soil management.