Keeping Roots Healthy and Happy- Preventing Root Rot in Hemp Crops 

How to Prevent Root Rot in Hemp Crops 

A concern in the commercial growing of hemp is how to support healthy roots through the reduction or elimination of root rot in crops. There are several methods a grower can use to drastically reduce the instances of root rot in their crops to ensure proper growth and quality from seed to harvest. A plant that has poor roots will also have poor growth. The focus should be on the root systems and maintaining their health. This can be completed through soil monitoring, proper water schedules, good airflow, crop rotation if applicable to the operation, sanitation, and using disease resistant varieties. Below are a few pointers on how to better care for hemp crops to eliminate the instances of root rot in plants.  

Soil Quality  

Hemp plants need a specific soil set up for them to properly grow and thrive. The soil or media needs to be well draining with proper airflow. Hemp is best adapted to a soil that is made from loam as plants are extremely sensitive to soil crusting and compaction which can be seen in other soil types. Loam is well-draining, but still holds some moisture for the plant to use. Sands will drain too quickly leading to water stress of plants. Hemp does not do well in soils with a high clay content. The pH of soil should also be controlled and kept in the neutral around 6.0-7.0.  

Water Needs 

Overwatering impacts utilities of a greenhouse and will hurt a plant. Roots need time to breathe and not be bogged down by excessive water. Hemp should be watered on a set schedule based on the growing areas humidity, grow lighting, and stage of growth the plants are in. Spot watering may need to be done to address differing needs of plants if the majority are fine, but only a few need an extra bit of water. A good rule of thumb for when to water hemp is typically every 2-3 days with seedlings, and a little less often with the later stages of growth. Young plants need more water as they grow, but then in the later stages of maturity, plants are no longer focused on much vegetative growth, but instead flowering growth. Water is crucial in hemp plants and should be locked in place from the start as overwatering is common in hemp and can lead to root rot. There are some conditions to keep in mind when watering hemp. These are humidity, temperature, media being used, stage of growth, soil, end use of the hemp, and whether it is indoor or outdoor.  

Airflow in the Growing Area  

A grower should promote sufficient airflow through a growing area both above the soil level and below. This can be done through proper spacing, proper watering schedules, and avoiding compaction of soil and roots. Proper airflow is essential in maintaining humidity and can also aid in the control of pests and diseases in a crop. Airflow control allows for roots to not have standing water or prolonged excess moisture on the roots- reducing the chance of root rot.  

Disease Resistant Varieties  

In the plant world, genetics are everything. From heirlooms to new varieties, the genetics of a plant will determine its success as a crop based on the environment. There are some hemp varieties that are less prone to certain diseases and root rot. Selecting these varieties will help reduce the risks of getting root rot in crops from the start. This reduces the risk of plant loss and raises profitability potential. Other varieties may be resistant to other plant stressors like water and lighting. Proper research should be completed before planting to ensure the right variety and genetics are selected for your specific grow operation, greenhouses, or farms.

Sanitation and Cleaning  

Proper cleaning and sanitation are essential in the reduction of pests and diseases. Some go- to practices for hemp production include, but are not limited to establishing standard procedures for cleaning and sanitizing, resetting the growing areas after each season, removal of diseased or dead plant matter, developing a cleaning schedule for all areas of the operation including tools and equipment, regular testing of surfaces and equipment for disease and other pathogens, and documenting all cleaning and sanitation instances. 

By staying on top of cleaning and sanitation, a grower can be ahead of the game in addressing a possible disease or instance of pest.  Even though root rot is a significant issue in a growing operation with hemp crops, the control of it can be executed efficiently if the growing area is properly maintained and crops are monitored well. Through the control of soil, watering schedules, and monitoring for disease and pests, as well as proper air flow and crop nutrients, hemp crops can better grow and have high profitability potential. For more information on how to best prevent root rot, or for ways to improve areas of your growing operation, be sure to reach out to Morr today where a knowledgeable staff member is at the ready with product suggestions and information that is backed by years of industry experience.  

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