Did you know that soil can be hydrophobic? Did you know your houseplant soil has its own ecosystem? Why is your plants soil runoff a smelly yellow? Read on to learn more.
Plant soil is an intricate and ever-changing ecosystem that can sometimes present problems. In this blog, we'll explore three intriguing aspects of plant soil: its ability to become hydrophobic, the growth of fungi, and the occurrence of yellow water runoff. Understanding these soil problems will help you prevent, and fix these problems to ensure healthier soil and plant health.
Hydrophobic Plant Soil
Have you ever noticed how water seems to bead up and roll off the surface of certain soils instead of being absorbed? This phenomenon is known as hydrophobicity. Hydrophobic plant soil occurs when: organic matter decomposes and forms a waxy layer on the soil's surface, soil additives are hydrophobic (eg. worm castings), or the soil became too dry.
Consequences of hydrophobic soil:
Reduced water absorption: hydrophobic soil creates a barrier that prevents water from penetrating deep into the soil. This leads to poor water retention and may result in drought stress for plants.
Increased surface runoff: with water unable to infiltrate the soil, it runs off the surface, potentially causing erosion and carrying away valuable nutrients.
So what can you do about it?
Aeration: regularly aerating the soil can help improve water penetration and break down the waxy layer.
Soil amendments: applying organic matter like compost can help improve soil structure and water retention, reducing hydrophobicity. Just make sure to stir it into the soil thoroughly.
Replacing the soil: switching out the soil is always an option. Make sure your soil has organic matter, and additives to help keep the soil aerated.
Use a wetting agent: homemade soap mixes, and premade bought agents will break down the waxy layer.
Bottom watering: if the soil became bone dry, try bottom watering the plant to force it to rehydrate.
Fungus Growth in Plant Soil
Fungi are an essential component of healthy soil ecosystems. They play a vital role in breaking down organic matter, making nutrients available to plants, and forming beneficial relationships with plant roots. However, when conditions are right it can lead to plant diseases and impact soil health.
What to look for:
White fuzzy mold on top of your soil. This mold is harmless, but a good idea to scoop out the mold before it becomes a problem.
White or yellow fuzz surrounding your roots. Also harmless, but is a sign of your plants roots have been sitting in water. Take your plant out and check for root rot. Wash the mold off your roots, and maybe replace the soil to decrease chances of it happening again.
Mushrooms growing means you have a happy thriving soil ecosystem! But I get that it is unwanted. Feel free to scoop them out.
If your plant leaves are growing a black fuzz, that is a sign of black mold. This mold is developing from the secretions pests have left behind in their destruction. This will lead to plant growth problems. Cut off affected leaves and treat the plant to insecticide and fungicide treatments.
Now, if your leaves have white fuzz on them, thats powdery mildew and is caused by airborne fungal spores. This is also a problem for plant growth. Treatment is the same, cut off affected leaves and treat with fungicide.
Preventing Fungus Growth
Well-draining soil: ensuring proper soil drainage can prevent waterlogged conditions that support fungi growth.
Balanced watering: water plants appropriately, avoiding both underwatering and overwatering.
Balanced soil: make sure your soil includes organic matter like compost, chunky amendments like bark or LECA to promote aeration, and that all things are thoroughly mixed in.
Yellow Water Runoff
When there are high levels of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, it can lead to yellow water runoff. The breakdown of nutrients, and the eventual build up with each watering leads to tannin build up.
Preventing and Mitigating Yellow Runoff
Controlled fertilization: apply fertilizers at the right time and in the right quantities to minimize runoff.
Distilled water: using distilled water can help prevent and rinse out build up as the distilled water isn't adding to potential build up.
Good drainage: giving the soil a chance to drain out the excess breakdown of nutrients. If possible have your plant in a nursery pot or a pot with a drainage hole.
Replace the soil: replacing the soil will get rid of the build up of tannins, and give fresh new nutrients to your plant.
*all photos are credit to wix media
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