Watch the Salt

In our ongoing look at the health of plants and their surrounding medium, and for our ongoing fun in using dietary analogies, today we look at the detrimental effects of too much salt in the soil of potted plants. Excess soluble salts can damage roots and leaves and make it harder for plants to take up water. Salts from fertilizers and irrigation water can accumulate when drainage or leaching is inadequate. Check the mineral content of your irrigation water, including water treated by sodium-based softeners, and review fertilizer and other inputs.

Salinity and acidity are different measurements. Electrical conductivity (EC) indicates the level of soluble salts, while pH measures acidity or alkalinity. High salinity does not necessarily mean high acidity. When low-salt water passes through a freely draining container, it can carry dissolved salts out with the drainage water.

A white surface crust or scorched leaves can suggest a problem, but visual symptoms alone do not diagnose excess salts. Test the growing medium and irrigation water for EC, and test pH separately. Use a suitable testing method and interpret the results for the plant and growing medium.

If testing confirms excess soluble salts, leach a freely draining container with low-salt water, allow it to drain and reassess before repeating. Avoid keeping the medium continuously saturated. Review fertilizer rates and irrigation-water quality to reduce further buildup; a wetting agent or a fixed days-to-weeks flushing schedule is not a substitute for testing and drainage.

A customer recently shared their fertilizer recipe for their prized Hofstras which is completely petroleum-free.  It consisted of Alaskan Fish fertilizer, liquid Hormex Growth Stimulant and a compost tea. Now that is a potent combo. The fish adds nitrogen to fuel cellular functions while the Hormex stimulates root growth and the compost tea adds beneficial bacteria to regulate the environment of the expanded root zone.

However, as with all recipes, it ultimately comes down to preference and finding what works for you on a consistent basis.  Just hold the salt!

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