Correcting the Cause

HAIL

Hail storms are a concern for many growers throughout the United States. Hail damage can devastate a crop. The primary concern during and after an intense hail storm is defoliation of the crop. Once the storm has passed, and after defoliation, a plant is extremely susceptible to pathogenetic fungus and bacterial diseases. While it is impossible to correct the cause of a hail storm, we can correct the cause of what often comes next. And as long as the shoot apical meristem (growing tip) is not destroyed, a healthy crop can withstand defoliation and potentially produce a harvestable yield.

Post defoliation, when a plant’s foliage is stripped from the stem, the plant responds by signaling the roots to acquire nutrients to produce new leaves. If the soil is stressed or unhealthy, the soil cannot supply the increased nutrient requirement the plant demands. As a result of an unhealthy soil, the plant produces weak growth susceptible to pathogenic diseases. Disease can be a symptom of a lack of nutrients necessary to supply the crop. After a hail storm, feeding the soil microbes, can increase the nutrient availability of the soil. The boost in biological activity allows the soil to provide the nutrient required to meet the increased demand of the defoliated crop. Often, the crop will respond successfully and still produce a yielding crop after defoliation. Soil microbial nutrition placed at the right time in the rate place could potentially save your crop.

 

After a hail storm, plants are susceptible to fungus and bacterial diseases.

Defoliation/Hail Program

 

The following are general recommendations post defoliation due to hail or another weather event. THESE ARE GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS. It is important to work directly with the Soil Works staff and/or with a trained Soil Works distributor to correctly diagnose your field. Every farm, field and soil type are different, please contact us directly to provide you with the optimum program for your operation. Application rates may vary depending upon your penetrometer readings and the quality of your irrigation water.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

20 grams GSR Growing Calcium
5 lbs Pure Cane Sugar
2 lbs Micronized Soft Rock Phosphate
3 lbs DA-Phos
2 gallons Fish Fertilizer
10 gallons Bio-5 Soil Conditioner

• Product is intended to be applied post-harvest mixed with water at a minimum application rate of 20 gallons/acre.
• Please consult directly with a trained professional for customized application rates.