Emergence and tissue analysis of cantaloupe and pepper seedlings as affected by method of watering and soil aggregate size

The purpose of this experiment was to study the failure of cantaloupe and pepper seed to emerge from the Lost Hills soil of the San Joaquin Valley. A preliminary greenhouse trial was conducted to test the greenhouse operation and to select appropriate vegetable seed for comparison, aggregate sizes to be used, methods of watering, a planting depth for the seeds, physical and chemical properties of the soil, and water movement through the soil of the pot.