Root cracking is a common phenomenon in the cultivation of root tuber crops, of course, carrots are no exception. Carrot root cracking will seriously affect the yield and quality. Basically, carrots have no commodity value after root cracking, resulting in huge economic losses to farmers. So, why do carrots crack their roots and what are the prevention methods for carrot root cracking?
Why does carrot crack root?
1. Uneven water supply
The main reason for carrot root cracking is that during the growth of succulent roots, the soil water supply is uneven, especially in the early stage of growth, the soil is dry and dry, and the epidermis hardens. In the later stage, more rain or irrigation will lead to excessive water absorption, accelerated internal cell division, and the hardened surface can not grow correspondingly, resulting in root cracking.
Prevention method: during the growth period of carrots, maintain a uniform supply of water, especially in the early stage, pay attention to keep the soil moist to avoid more rain in the later stage.
2. Partial application of nitrogen fertilizer
Nitrogen fertilizer can promote the growth of carrots. In order to improve the yield, many farmers often apply nitrogen fertilizer instead of other fertilizers, which leads to the vigorous growth of carrot roots and accelerates the speed of root cracking.
Control method: during carrot growth, fertilization should be reasonable. Fertilization at seedling stage is mainly nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented by phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Single application of nitrogen fertilizer is strictly prohibited in the middle and late stage. The application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be increased to improve yield and reduce root cracking.
3. Boron deficiency
Carrots need less boron, but boron is very important in the later stage of carrot growth. It can improve the quality of carrots and make the growth of fleshy roots more developed. If the carrot is seriously deficient in boron, its nutrient transport will be hindered, which will lead to root cracking of the carrot.
Prevention method: spray 0.2-0.3% boron fertilizer solution during carrot expansion period, which can significantly improve yield and quality and reduce root cracking.
4. Soil causes
Carrots like to grow in loose and fertile soil environment. If they are planted in soil with more viscosity or hard materials, they will be blocked when the fleshy root expands, resulting in bifurcation and root cracking.
Fertilizer absorption law of carrot:
The growth was retarded in the early growth stage, the growth increased rapidly when the root system began to expand in the middle and late stage, and the nutrient absorption increased with the increase of growth. Within two months after sowing, the absorption of various elements was small. With the expansion of roots, the absorption increased significantly, with more potassium, followed by nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.
The nitrogen requirements of carrots are mainly in the early stage. It is necessary to apply an appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer 30-50 days after sowing. In this stage, nitrogen deficiency will significantly reduce the diameter of roots and cause poor expansion of fleshy roots. Different forms of nitrogen have a great influence on the growth of carrot.
Control measures for carrot root cracking:
1. To prevent and control the cracking of carrot fleshy roots, it is important to keep the soil moist and prevent dry cracking or sudden wetting and drying.
2. Harvest in time, do not harvest too late, but also significantly reduce root cracking.
3. New seeds with strong vitality shall be selected for sowing.
Why do carrots crack their roots? What are the prevention methods for carrot root cracking? During planting, loose and fertile soil shall be used for planting. Before planting, combine with land preparation, clean the hard objects such as stones in the field, and rake fine and level them before planting.