What is the danger of excess fertilizer in the soil: the consequences of an overdose and what to do

Modern horticulture and horticulture is hard to imagine without fertilizers, because with prolonged use, soil fertility decreases, the site ceases to produce crops. However, in order not to harm the plants and not poison the earth, it is important to know how an excess of mineral fertilizers in the soil is dangerous for planting. What can happen with excessive use of nitrogen, phosphorus fertilizers, how the abuse of mineral complexes affects plants and soil.

Consequences of an overdose of fertilizers

Mineral fertilizers are produced in the form of water-soluble s alts, they provide plantings with the necessary nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and other elements.

Important: it is necessary to use top dressing in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, not allowing the concentration to be exceeded, taking into account the application intervals and weather conditions.

The process of s alt balance is the basis for the assimilation of fertilizers by plants. If the plant sap contains more s alts than the soil, moisture and mineral complex are absorbed by the plant system, at the same ratio, absorption stops. In the case when there are more s alts in the soil than in the tissues of the seedling, the sprout begins to give moisture to the soil, withers and dies.

Overdose of mineral s alts in the soil leads to a change in the vegetation process (shift of flowering time, excess green mass), this is fraught with a decrease in yield, crushing of fruits, accumulation of nitrates in them. A significant excess of doses causes inhibition of plant development and its death. The amount of applied mineral concentrates depends on the condition of the soil, the topography of the site (fertilizers can accumulate in the lowlands), the amount of organic matter introduced.

How to identify the problem

If the soil on the site is oversaturated with fertilizers, this affects the condition of the plants and is visually noticeable to an attentive summer resident. Signs of an overdose differ depending on the type of element, consider what happens with an excess:

1. Nitrogen. The plant has a powerful fleshy stem, dark foliage of a rich shade. It blooms later, spends all its energy on growing greenery, the fruits remain small, ripen later. Plantings are less resistant to fungal infection and pest invasions.
2. Magnesium. The leaves become darker, curl, the tomato tops develop poorly, the tips of the foliage stretch and die.
3. Phosphorus. A characteristic feature is the appearance of necrotic spotting on the leaves, the aging of the leaves is accelerated, they turn yellow and fall off. Plantings suffer more with a lack of watering.
4. Potassium. The foliage is lightened, growth slows down, the internodes lengthen. Necrosis of plant tissues occurs, it turns yellow and sheds leaves.
5. Calcium. Bubbles filled with liquid appear on the foliage, the development of shoots increases, which dry out quickly.

It is important to understand that the problem is not a lack of minerals, but an excess. Many summer residents, seeing the depressed state of plantings, arrange extraordinary feeding of the beds, worsening the situation.

What to do if you apply fertilizer incorrectly?

To get rid of excess mineral fertilizers in the soil on the site, you should water the beds abundantly. Water will wash away excess s alts, freeing them from the top layer of soil. They will move to the deep layers of the earth, will not affect the development of plants.If the seedlings are hydroponically, it is necessary to wash the nutrient layer. For indoor plants, washing or replacing the soil is required.

In order not to make a mistake with the dosage, you need to follow the manufacturer's instructions, write down the dates of fertilization, the amount, type of mineral complex. It is necessary to periodically check the acidity of the soil.

The combination of mineral and organic fertilizers on the site allows you to improve the condition of the soil, grow an excellent crop that will be he althy and tasty. The main thing is not to overdo it with the amount and concentration of dressings.

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