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How can root problems be prevented?

Healthy roots form the basis for a healthy plant. Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy roots. This way the chance the roots get affected by mould, which leads to root rot is lowered. Several factors influence the presence of mould, like the supply of water, climate, fertilization and hygiene. In this article our specialists further explain about moulds and different ways to prevent root problems.
Crazy roots
Han van der Kooij
Product specialist Fertilizers | May 11, 2020 | 3 min. reading time

Moulds

Often, plants and moulds live together in symbiosis, meaning both the plant and mould experience benefits. For instance, because the plant can take in more nutrients thanks to the mould, while the mould can get more nutrients from the plant. Approximately 80 to 90% of all plants live in symbiosis with moulds. 

This symbiosis situation is not always the case. Moulds can also parasitize the plant, meaning the mold benefits from the plant, while the plant experiences inconvenience from the mold because it takes too many nutrients from the plant. This excessive take away of nutrient, leads to root problems, which should be prevented at all time.

Measures against root problems

As mentioned earlier, many different factors contribute to the existence and presence of moulds, including water supply, climate, fertilization and hygiene.

Water supply

For several cultivations, leaving the roots in a wet substrate could be very harmful, resulting in root problems. On one hand the breathing in the roots will stagnate, which can lead to growth reduction while on the other hand the root pressure will augment. When the plant isn’t given the opportunity to evaporate at all or not enough, the pressure will increase and will severely injure the roots. This makes the roots more susceptible to moulds.

Climate

The temperature of the roots is very important. Make sure the temperature is high enough to keep the roots healthy and strong and prevent root problems. Because it is perceived difficult for plants to take in the warmth through radiation when planted in a substrate, you must make sure the roots receive enough heat from the heat pipes. Be aware the differences in climate aren’t very noticeable.

Fertilization

EC is often perceived to be a bottle neck in fertilization. When the level is too high or too low, your cultivation is affected and root problems may occur. A good EC-level contributes sufficient intake of nutrients, without obstructing root growth.  

Hygiene

A greenhouse’s hygiene is extremely crucial. A good hygiene lowers the risk of root problems and harmful moulds affecting the crops. Just by cleaning the hands and shoes thoroughly before entering the green house, the risk of moulds entering is already limited significantly. 

Increase plant resistance 

Products handling a plant’s resistance are gradually gaining more popularity. These products ensure a natural defense mechanism, to make sure plants respond quicker and more powerful to stressful situations and diseases, such as moulds. Plant resistance productscan be compared to the benefits of vitamins to people: they strengthen resistance, through which the plant is less susceptible to both root problems an diseases and has a quicker healing process. 

Briefly

Products handling a plant’s resistance are gradually gaining more popularity. These products ensure a natural defense mechanism, to make sure plants respond quicker and more powerful to stressful situations and diseases, such as moulds. Plant resistance products can be compared to the benefits of vitamins to people: they strengthen resistance, through which the plant is less susceptible to both root problems an diseases and has a quicker healing process. 
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Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Han van der Kooij will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Also interesting for you

How can root problems be prevented?

Healthy roots form the basis for a healthy plant. Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy roots. This way the chance the roots get affected by mould, which leads to root rot is lowered. Several factors influence the presence of mould, like the supply of water, climate, fertilization and hygiene. In this article our specialists further explain about moulds and different ways to prevent root problems.
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Han van der Kooij product specialist fertilisers and pre-treatment agents
Han van der Kooij
Product specialist Fertilizers | May 11, 2020 | 3 min. reading time
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Crazy roots
Topics in this article

Moulds

Often, plants and moulds live together in symbiosis, meaning both the plant and mould experience benefits. For instance, because the plant can take in more nutrients thanks to the mould, while the mould can get more nutrients from the plant. Approximately 80 to 90% of all plants live in symbiosis with moulds. 

This symbiosis situation is not always the case. Moulds can also parasitize the plant, meaning the mold benefits from the plant, while the plant experiences inconvenience from the mold because it takes too many nutrients from the plant. This excessive take away of nutrient, leads to root problems, which should be prevented at all time.

Measures against root problems

As mentioned earlier, many different factors contribute to the existence and presence of moulds, including water supply, climate, fertilization and hygiene.

Water supply

For several cultivations, leaving the roots in a wet substrate could be very harmful, resulting in root problems. On one hand the breathing in the roots will stagnate, which can lead to growth reduction while on the other hand the root pressure will augment. When the plant isn’t given the opportunity to evaporate at all or not enough, the pressure will increase and will severely injure the roots. This makes the roots more susceptible to moulds.

Climate

The temperature of the roots is very important. Make sure the temperature is high enough to keep the roots healthy and strong and prevent root problems. Because it is perceived difficult for plants to take in the warmth through radiation when planted in a substrate, you must make sure the roots receive enough heat from the heat pipes. Be aware the differences in climate aren’t very noticeable.

Fertilization

EC is often perceived to be a bottle neck in fertilization. When the level is too high or too low, your cultivation is affected and root problems may occur. A good EC-level contributes sufficient intake of nutrients, without obstructing root growth.  

Hygiene

A greenhouse’s hygiene is extremely crucial. A good hygiene lowers the risk of root problems and harmful moulds affecting the crops. Just by cleaning the hands and shoes thoroughly before entering the green house, the risk of moulds entering is already limited significantly. 

Increase plant resistance 

Products handling a plant’s resistance are gradually gaining more popularity. These products ensure a natural defense mechanism, to make sure plants respond quicker and more powerful to stressful situations and diseases, such as moulds. Plant resistance productscan be compared to the benefits of vitamins to people: they strengthen resistance, through which the plant is less susceptible to both root problems an diseases and has a quicker healing process. 

Briefly

Products handling a plant’s resistance are gradually gaining more popularity. These products ensure a natural defense mechanism, to make sure plants respond quicker and more powerful to stressful situations and diseases, such as moulds. Plant resistance products can be compared to the benefits of vitamins to people: they strengthen resistance, through which the plant is less susceptible to both root problems an diseases and has a quicker healing process. 
Related products
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Han van der Kooij will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Han van der Kooij Productspecialist fertilisers and pre-treatment agents
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