Grower's Corner - The Unanalyzed Hidden Danger

When asked to create or review a grower's fertility program in a container nursery or farm, it usually starts with a review of their potting mix and their water source. The analysis of these two areas is quickly done by lab testing and can detect many basic problems, but there is one test rarely done by labs that can be critical to the optimum growing of a crop. This test relates to the growing media’s ability to breathe. Too many fine particles or the ability of media components to hang on to excess water for long periods can cause root rots, which in turn inhibit nutrient and oxygen uptake. This usually causes poor or no growth with very poor tissue color or dieback. To alleviate such problems, be very careful when developing your growing media to limit the amount of components that hold on to a lot of water for a long time, like fine pine bark and compost. I did say to limit the amount, not necessarily eliminate these components. Visual symptoms of the root system can include a very wet root area, signs of roots sloughing off, a few healthy roots, or even a rotting smell from the root ball. A healthy media is one with a lot of air space and drains fairly quickly. If you need help identifying this potential problem, give me a call. 
- Danny Dudoich, Grower Specialist