Effects of Compaction, Depth of Planting, and Soil Moisture Tension on Seedling Emergence of Alfalfa¹

Synopsis With no irrigation following seeding, moisture conditions near the seed and initial emergence of alfalfa seedlings were improved progressively by increasing planting depths from 0 to 1 inch and soll compaction from 0 to 12 psi. When ½ inch of irrigation was applied after seeding, maximum average emergence was obtained from the ½‐inch planting depth with a soil compaction of either 6 or 12 psi. Compaction was less beneficlal to emergence as planting depth increased beyond ¼ inch, especially when irrigation followed planting.