SOWACS: SEEDS as sensors - interesting!

[Mark Bloomberg]

Mark Bloomberg writes to the sowacs list:
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My query relates to measuring moisture availability in the very small 
space around a germinating pine seed.  This environment has a 
diameter ca 1cm, is close to the soil surface and therefore moisture 
levels fluctuate rapidly in relation to time of day, changes in 
atmospheric RH etc.

Oleskog & Sahlen (Oleskog,G and Sahlen K. 1999. Determination of 
moisture conditions using Pinus sylvestris (L.)  seeds as biosensors.  
Scandinavian journal of Forest Research.) stated that conventional 
methods of soil moisture measurement are not suitable because they 
may influence moisture levels in the seed's immediate environment, 
which is very small.  There are also steep vertical gradients in 
moisture in the  surface soil zone.  Oleskog opted for a bioassay 
approach, using changes in seed fresh weight as an indicator of 
moisture availability.

Does anyone have alternative views on this problem?

Yours sincerely, Mark

Mark Bloomberg
Lecturer in Forestry
SPES Division, Lincoln University
Ph (64) (3) 325 2811 Ext 8437

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