Soil fatigue and replant disease
An early sign of soil fertility degradation
“Soil fatigue” or “replant disease” represents the warning symptom of an imbalance in the soil-plant system, linked to the progressive degradation of fertility.
British researchers define this phenomenon as “plant vigour mediated disease”, highlighting how the physiological state of plants is closely connected to soil quality and the agronomic techniques adopted.
EFFECTS ON PLANTS
Alterations affecting crops
Reduction of vegetative growth
Delay in entering production
Chlorosis and wilting
Reduction of absorption and development
Necrosis of root tips
Plant death
EFFECTS ON SOIL
Alterations of the soil and rhizosphere
Modification of soil structure
Alteration of the diversity of microbiological communities in the area in contact with roots (rhizosphere).
MICROORGANISMS ARE THE ENGINES OF NUTRITIONAL CYCLES
INCORRECT MANAGEMENT
Any chemical fertilizer or organic substance cannot be transformed, stabilized, or absorbed without the intervention of soil microbiology.
Incorrect management of crop residues and humification processes can favor the accumulation of toxic metabolites and the prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms, reducing soil biodiversity.
HOW TO REBALANCE THE RHIZOBIOME TO RESTORE FERTILITY?
“Fertility is the capacity of a soil to sustain plant growth from every point of view; the components of fertility are: chemical, physical, microbiological.”
“Fertility is the capacity of the soil ecosystem to create livable conditions for plants.”