Soil conditions contribute to poor plant growth

Darryl Warncke, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences -

Editor’s note: This article is from the archives of the MSU Crop Advisory Team Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is included.

This article was originally published in the June 25, 2008 issue of the Vegetable CAT Alert.

The recent heavy rains have provided challenging soil conditions. Soils are compacted by intense rainfall and standing water. Excess water tends to seal the soil surface, even on some sandy soils. These conditions impede drying of the soil and movement of air into the soil. The root environment is oxygen deficient and roots cannot function properly to take up water and essential nutrients. Many beneficial microorganisms also have a difficult time functioning when oxygen starved. When these conditions persist for more than two to three days, roots will become non-functional and may begin to degrade. Cultivation is essential to open the soil and allow air to move in. Renewed aeration of the soil will stimulate root growth and microbial activity that will mineralize nitrogen and other nutrients. With aeration, new root growth will occur.

During flooded or saturated soil conditions 50 lbs N/a or more may be lost by leaching or denitrification. Once soils dry sufficiently, sidedress 40 lbs N/a to enhance root and plant growth. Spraying nitrogen and other nutrients on the foliage of stressed plants may help them get through the stress period. However, under stress conditions plants are less able to absorb nutrients through the leaves, so the benefit may not be as great as anticipated. Urea ammonium nitrate (28 percent nitrogen) is a good source of nitrogen for foliar application as long as the rate does not exceed three gallons per acre. Small amounts of nutrients may be able to be added in with other spray materials, but be sure to check compatibility.

When excess rainfall occurs, the primary nutrient of concern is usually nitrogen. In sandy soils, significant amounts of potassium may also be leached out of the root zone so that topdress application may be beneficial for high potassium requiring crops, celery and tomatoes. Boron is also subject to leaching out of the root zone in sandy soils and muck soils. For celery, celeriac, broccoli and root crops consider spraying 0.25 lb actual boron per acre on the foliage.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • msu extension,
  • vegetables
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).