1. Abiotic factors that control or affect seed germination
2. Temperature = Low or cold temp. is not favorable for seed germination . They prefer higher temp.To put it differently -' The rate of seed germination is directly proportionate to the rise in temp ( Up to a limit ! you don't expect seed germination at 100 degree Celsius! )
3. Moisture or water = Dry seeds do not germinate . They must first imbibe water to trigger off the process of germination
4. soil = It is not required initially , but as the seedlings grow they require mineral elements for further growth . this requirement can be fulfilled only by soil.
5. Light = for germination only light is not required but later on it plays a dominant role . Biotic factors that control seed germination
6. Viability of the seeds = After the seeds are produced they remain viable ( have potential to germinate ) up to certain period that varies from plant to plant or seed to seed .( It is like expiry date of a medicine! ).Lotus seeds have viability period of 800 years Once that period expires , the seed germination is difficult . They are as good as dead
7. Dormancy period = Many seeds do not germinate immediately after they are produced . The reason is they require a resting period during which they remain dormant and once that period is over they are ready to germinate