After heavy rains in summer and autumn, vegetable crops often suffer from waterlogging, with stems and leaves lying flat on the ground. This causes the stomata on the leaves to become clogged, which severely hinders respiration, transpiration, and photosynthesis. The strong winds accompanying the storms can also damage plants, breaking stems and leaves, while the soil becomes compacted, reducing air circulation in the root zone. As a result, plant roots are forced into anaerobic respiration, leading to cellular toxicity and even plant death.
Moreover, the storm weakens the overall resistance of vegetables, making them more susceptible to diseases and pests. Therefore, it's crucial to take immediate action after heavy rainfall to minimize damage and support crop recovery.
As soon as the rain stops, it's recommended to perform manual watering using lukewarm water or cold spring water. In areas where cold well water is available, it’s best to rinse off the dirt and sediment from the leaves and stems. This helps lower soil temperature, increase oxygen levels in the soil, and restore normal breathing conditions for the plants.
Additionally, manually washing the leaves and uprighting the plants can help reduce physical stress and mutual compression. This allows the vegetables to return to their normal growth pattern more quickly.
Following the storm, the root systems of vegetables often become weakened, and their ability to absorb water is reduced. At this time, applying foliar fertilizers can be very effective. A solution of 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate and 1% urea can be sprayed directly onto the leaves to improve nutrient uptake and speed up the recovery of plant vitality.
Finally, it's important to loosen the soil promptly to prevent waterlogging. Cultivating the soil and applying ash or fungicides before the morning dew dries can help prevent disease outbreaks and pest infestations. These steps are essential for maintaining healthy and productive vegetable crops after heavy rainfall.
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