It's challenging to compensate for the loss of vegetative organs during the growing season, as the damage can be significant and is often caused by multiple factors. Here are 10 common reasons why vegetables die and how to prevent them:
First, excessive fertilizer can lead to plant death. Over-fertilization, especially with nitrogen, causes high salt concentration in the soil surface, leading to root shrinkage, wilting, and even embolism near the base of the plant. The prevention method is to use less or no nitrogen-based fertilizers.
Second, ammonia toxicity can cause plants to wither. When ammonia levels in the air exceed 0.8%, it can poison the leaf stalks, causing them to wilt. To prevent this, avoid using ammonia-rich fertilizers like urea and ammonium bicarbonate, limit human urine application, properly compost chicken manure, and ensure proper ventilation after fertilizing.
Third, heat damage can kill plants. If the topsoil is too shallow (less than 30 cm), roots become weak and leaves overdevelop. High temperatures above 40°C increase transpiration, and if water supply is inadequate, plants dehydrate and die. Prevention includes shading during hot weather, deep plowing before planting, controlling irrigation to promote strong root development, and ensuring adequate watering during high temperatures.
Fourth, water deficiency can also be deadly. Water has a higher heat capacity than air, so drought stress can cause frost damage. To prevent this, create an ecological greenhouse with controlled temperatures, cover crops with grass in the afternoon, and water thoroughly before freezing to prevent soil from cracking.
Fifth, improper grafting can lead to plant death. Poor healing of graft wounds, incomplete removal of scion roots, or weak rootstock can result in rot during cold periods. Prevent this by cutting the rootstock to two-thirds of its stem and the scion to half, pruning early, and applying copper ammonium solution to the wounds.
Sixth, waterlogging can kill plants. Excess moisture in dense soils leads to anaerobic conditions, which suffocate roots and cause the entire plant to wither. Improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering early on, let the soil dry slightly after watering, and level fields to prevent standing water.
Seventh, sudden exposure to bright light after prolonged low-light conditions can cause dehydration and softening of stems. Prevent this by using emulsified fertilizers during low-light periods to balance nutrients and gradually acclimate plants to sunlight.
Eighth, dirty burns from uncomposted manure can harm plants. In humid environments, fresh manure can ferment and generate heat that damages roots. Use well-composted organic matter, ensure proper maturity, and place manure away from the root zone to avoid direct contact.
Ninth, insect infestations can kill plants. Uncooked manure attracts pests that damage roots and stems. Control pests by mixing microbes or trichlorfon into the soil, applying ash and humic acid, or using diluted ammonium bicarbonate to repel underground insects.
Tenth, copper deficiency can make plants more susceptible to disease. Copper helps strengthen plant cell walls and improve resistance. Apply 2 kg of copper sulfate per 667 m² or mix with ammonium bicarbonate when planting. Foliar sprays of copper solutions at the seedling stage can also help.
By understanding these causes and implementing the appropriate prevention strategies, you can significantly reduce vegetable losses and improve crop health.
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