Abstract
Calcium carbide formulations (CCFs) are used for nitrification inhibition and as precursor of ethylene in soil. Their impact on
crop growth and yield is thoroughly investigated. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding their influence on seed
germination. The present study was planned to study the impact of CCFs on wheat seed germination and early seedling
growth. Encapsulated, beeswax coated, paraffin wax coated, paint coated, matrix-1, matrix-2 and matrix-3 CCFs were
prepared and applied at 22.5 mg CaC2 kg-1
to sand filled cups. Wheat seeds were sown in sand medium contained in
disposable cups. Treatments were allotted according to completely randomized design with three replications. All CCFs
except encapsulated and matrix-3 significantly reduced mean emergence time (MET) and increased emergence rate index
(ERI) of wheat seedlings. Application of these formulations also improved root growth and increased root: shoot ratio by
length; however, influence on root: shoot ratio by weight was found non-significant. Maximum germination and root growth
was observed in the treatments of matrix-1 followed by matrix-2, beeswax and paint coated CCFs. To explore the effect of
different rates of matrix-1, second experiment was conducted. Its application at 15 mg CaC2 kg-1 was found comparatively
better. It is concluded that soil applied CaC2 in some proper formulation can improve wheat seed germination and root and
seedling growth.
