The role of the root system in the development of winter rapeseed
Rapeseed has a tap root system that can reach up to 3 m into the soil profile under optimal environmental conditions.
The root system plays the most important role in meeting the needs of plants for micro- and macroelements. Over 80 percent of the entire pool of mineral nutrients used to obtain a crop is absorbed by plants through the roots. A poorly developed, inefficient root system negatively affects not only the health and nutrition of plants, but also the efficiency and profitability of fertilizer use.
The root system also plays an important role in the water management of plants, which is particularly visible during periods of drought. In the past season, we could observe greater resistance to the effects of lack of rainfall on plantations characterized by a better developed root system. Plants with a less developed root system have limited access to water from deeper layers of soil, the lack of which at key development moments causes a reduction in yield.
A strong root system has a positive effect on the frost resistance of winter plants, which in turn increases their chances of surviving winter and periods of spring frost. Plants better supplied with nutrients enter the winter period in better condition and regenerate faster in spring.
Well-nourished plants are also more resistant to diseases and pests. Additionally, the root system serves as a support for the plant, and its better development reduces the susceptibility of the plantation to lodging.
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Nitrogen is an essential element of winter rapeseed agronomy
Phosphorus – a key element in the development of the root system
Phosphorus is essential for the proper development of the root system and plays an important role in the processes of flowering and seed formation. In addition, this element participates in the regulation of energy management and in the biochemical processes of plants. Its availability to plants should be ensured from the moment of germination to the flowering and seed formation phase.
Phosphorus is an element with limited mobility in soil. Its optimal uptake by roots occurs when the root hair zone is in direct contact with phosphate ions. For comparison, in the case of nitrogen, this distance can be as much as 2 cm. In recent years, due to the high prices of phosphate fertilizers, many farmers have significantly reduced their use, which may affect the availability of this element in the soil.
How to increase the availability of phosphorus in the soil?
To increase the effectiveness of phosphorus fertilization and improve the condition and health of winter rape, it is worth using the Delsol plus preparation. This is a modern and improved version of the Delsol preparation, which will effectively increase the phosphorus content in the soil. Delsol plus also contains beneficial microorganisms, such as the bacteria Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus subtilis and the fungus Trichoderma harzianum THM 308.
Pseudomonas putida bacteria play a key role in releasing phosphorus and iron from the soil, creating specific chelating compounds (siderophores), which not only provide these elements to plants, but also limit the availability of iron to pathogens, reducing their activity. Additionally, these bacteria produce substances such as ketoglutaric acid and indoleacetic acid (IAA), which support the development of the root system, which additionally improves the uptake of phosphorus and iron, and thus strengthens the condition of plants and their health.
They also contribute to the release of phosphorus and zinc from the soil environment, which supports the development of the plant root system. In addition, they have the ability to protect crops from plant pathogens, inhibiting the development of diseases or disrupting their spread. They also produce polyamines, which support plant growth, delay cell aging and protect against abiotic stress.
The Trichoderma harzianum THM 308 fungus is distinguished by its multifaceted action. It is a mycoparasite that effectively combats plant pathogens by producing lytic enzymes and antibiosis, limiting the growth of other fungi and bacteria. In addition, this fungus competes for nutrients and space and has the ability to modify environmental conditions, which promotes the release of previously unavailable nutrients. Delsol plus also stimulates plant growth and strengthens their immunity, which translates into higher yields and better profitability of crops.
Application of Delsol plus in winter rape cultivation
The unique Delsol Plus formula effectively activates the soil reservoir of phosphorus, iron and zinc, while stimulating plant growth and improving their health and condition. The use of Delsol Plus before sowing seeds or after sowing or in the early stages of plant development at a dose of 1 kg/ha effectively improves the development of the root system. This is especially important during the long and warm autumn, when we often observe nutrient deficiencies.
The effectiveness of the product is confirmed by numerous studies conducted in field conditions.
The effect of Delsol plus and Messor on the yield of Quincy winter rape is given below. IUNG RZD Grabów 2024.
Prepared by Tomasz Piotrowski