when soil is drenched with water

Itoero · June 15, 2016

What happens to the roots of tomatoplants when the soil is drenched with water for several days?

TC_Manhattan · June 15, 2016

Quote:

Originally Posted by Itoero

What happens to the roots of tomatoplants when the soil is drenched with water for several days?

They die.

Itoero · June 15, 2016

But why do they die? What's the process of their death?
What does all the water changes in the soil?

TC_Manhattan · June 15, 2016

They develop root rot because of lack of aeration to roots caused by water saturation that displaces any air so fungus can develop and rot them.

NarnianGarden · June 15, 2016

Thank God, never had it happen yet - although I surely have made many watering mistakes... Both over- and under watering! Containers do allow for quicker evaporation, especially if there is consistent sunshine.

dmforcier · June 15, 2016

Roots need free oxygen to survive. Underwater they literally drown.

That is why it is so important to grow in well-draining soil. Water in garden dirt can (usually) drain down deeper so there is a natural control. Containers are different and require more thought to avoid water problems.

In containers (or in ground if you have lots of money) you can add perlite, which is a volcanic foam that contains air pockets but will not absorb water. Another technique is to control the average particle size in the soil so it doesn't act as a sponge. (That's a big topic in its own right.)

June 15, 2016	#1
Itoero Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Belgium Posts: 186	when soil is drenched with water What happens to the roots of tomatoplants when the soil is drenched with water for several days? Last edited by Itoero; June 15, 2016 at 09:25 AM.

June 15, 2016	#4
TC_Manhattan Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Ohio Posts: 457	They develop root rot because of lack of aeration to roots caused by water saturation that displaces any air so fungus can develop and rot them.

June 15, 2016	#5
NarnianGarden Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Finland, EU Posts: 2,550	Thank God, never had it happen yet - although I surely have made many watering mistakes... Both over- and under watering! Containers do allow for quicker evaporation, especially if there is consistent sunshine.

June 15, 2016	#6
dmforcier Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,825	Roots need free oxygen to survive. Underwater they literally drown. That is why it is so important to grow in well-draining soil. Water in garden dirt can (usually) drain down deeper so there is a natural control. Containers are different and require more thought to avoid water problems. In containers (or in ground if you have lots of money) you can add perlite, which is a volcanic foam that contains air pockets but will not absorb water. Another technique is to control the average particle size in the soil so it doesn't act as a sponge. (That's a big topic in its own right.)