During the growing season, plants are exposed to various stress factors, both biotic (diseases, pests) and abiotic, such as extreme temperatures, strong winds, or hail. One of the biggest threats this season is soil drought, which limits nutrient uptake and significantly weakens crops. Water deficiency in the soil leads to growth inhibition, yield reduction, and deterioration of crop quality.
What is the current situation?
In recent months, low precipitation has resulted in a severe soil water deficit, particularly in the root zone of winter crops. Oilseed rape and cereals are particularly affected, showing signs of nutrient deficiency. Nitrogen applied in early spring is not effectively utilized due to low soil moisture – plants cannot absorb it.
An additional problem was the February frosts, accompanied by strong drying winds. As a result, visible leaf mass loss in oilseed rape plantations and signs of desiccation in winter cereals have been observed. Weather forecasts for March 2025 do not predict significant rainfall, which means the situation may worsen.
What are the effects of soil drought?
Lack of proper soil moisture affects plant development on multiple levels:
- Limited nutrient uptake – plants struggle to absorb nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, leading to nutrient deficiencies.
- Weakened root system – roots cannot develop properly, further reducing their ability to take up water.
- Physiological stress – plants divert energy toward survival rather than growth and yield development.
- Reduced fertilization efficiency – nutrients remain in the soil, but plants are unable to use them.
Solutions for limiting soil drought consequences
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria
One of the key challenges of soil drought is the limited uptake of nitrogen by plants. Under water deficit conditions, the root system cannot effectively transport this element, leading to growth inhibition and plant weakening.
A solution to this issue may be the use of endophytic bacteria, such as Paenibacillus polymyxa. This microorganism is widely documented in scientific literature for its ability to colonize the intercellular spaces of plants and supply them with atmospheric nitrogen in an assimilable form.
Benefits of using nitrogen-fixing bacteria:
- Strengthens cell walls, increasing tissue rigidity and flexibility.
- Reduces transpiration (water loss from leaves), helping plants manage water resources more efficiently.
- Forms a protective barrier against pathogens, reducing fungal and bacterial infections.
- Improves plant architecture, enhancing light exposure of leaves.
Research shows that Paenibacillus polymyxa can be an effective tool for mitigating the effects of soil drought by improving plant nutrition in situations of limited nutrient availability.
Titanium – support for photosynthesis and pollination
Titanium is an element that plays a crucial role in regulating plant life processes, especially under stressful conditions. It stimulates photosynthesis, improves nutrient uptake, and enhances plant resistance to stress factors.
How does titanium benefit plants during soil drought?
- Increases chlorophyll content, improving photosynthesis efficiency and biomass growth.
- Strengthens the activity of enzymes responsible for stress response, helping plants withstand water stress.
- Improves pollination and fertilization, which is particularly important in unfavorable weather conditions.
- Enhances nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium uptake, ensuring better plant health.
Foliar application of titanium acts quickly and effectively, helping plants maintain high metabolic activity even in difficult conditions.
Silicon – limites stress consequences
Silicon plays a key role in increasing plant resistance to abiotic stress. Under soil drought conditions, its presence in plant tissues reduces water evaporation and supports proper development.
How does silicon help plants under water stress?
- Strengthens cell walls, increasing tissue rigidity and flexibility.
- Reduces transpiration (water loss from leaves), helping plants manage water resources more efficiently.
- Forms a protective barrier against pathogens, reducing fungal and bacterial infections.
- Improves plant architecture, enhancing light exposure of leaves.
Plants supplemented with silicon better endure drought and recover faster after water deficiency periods.
Amino acids – rapid plant regeneration
Amino acids play a crucial role in plant metabolism, especially under stressful conditions. They provide plants with the energy needed for regeneration and improve nutrient transport.
Benefits of using amino acids during soil drought:
- Faster plant recovery after stress.
- Improved photosynthesis efficiency through increased chlorophyll content.
- Enhanced nutrient transport to areas where they are most needed.
- Reduced energy losses, allowing plants to function better in harsh conditions.
Biostimulants containing amino acids can be applied both foliar and to the soil, enhancing plant resistance to drought.
Additional practices to mitigate drought effects
Besides using biostimulants, proper agronomic practices are also essential:
- Maintaining soil mulching to reduce water evaporation.
- Applying soil fertilization under conditions that ensure optimal nutrient utilization.
- Selecting drought-resistant varieties.
Soil drought presents a significant challenge, but by implementing effective plant support strategies, its negative effects can be minimized, improving both yield quality and quantity. Biostimulants are one of the key tools in combating water deficiency, making their use a necessity in difficult seasons.
