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Macomb County

I've been receiving e-mails asking about fertilizer programs. The off season would be a good time to cover some basic downsides. N changes the osmosic balance of the soil. In abundance, it draws water away from the roots. You know you're using too much N when your leaves wilt and become limp in the heat of the day, only to pick-up again in the evening. And you've ruled out baterial wilt. Then, of course, if they wilt and just die, you've really killed your plant with too much N.

1/16/2006 10:44:02 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Please explain "osmosic balance"...in simple terminology...if that is possible...LOL Peace, Wayne
PS Where ya been?

1/17/2006 1:09:14 AM

Ohio

Man thats funny! welcome back jack

1/17/2006 9:02:45 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Is it Groundhog Day Already?

1/17/2006 9:03:00 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Roots absorb water from the soil solution. They do this by containing salts....water is drawn towards salt. This condition is called "osmosis".

The condition Jack refers to (Reverse Onsmosis) is caused when there is too much salt in the soil solution & water held in the roots is caused to go backwards. In other words, the salt condition od the soil has exceeeded the salt content of the roots.

There are more than just salts & bacterial conditions to consider though. Fungal disruption to the vascular system can also cause midday wilting. Fusarium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia & Pythium can all cause similar wilts.

Mites & Nematodes dispupt the delicate water use-loss-supply balance & can result in wilting.

Good old fashioned drought stress does too.

But this conversation is geared toward Nitrogen & I agree with Jack this is a valid concern. We are probably (mostly) guilty of supply luxury levels of N either from manures or synthetic sources. The quest for bragging rights & ribbons often gets the best of our judgement often with results opposite our goals.

1/17/2006 12:17:24 PM

Cincinnati,OH

Excessive nitrogen can also cause a potassium deficiency

1/17/2006 5:55:15 PM