What causes cracked roots in carrots? Learn the prevention methods

Cracked roots in carrots can seriously affect yield and quality. Once the roots crack, the carrots basically have no commercial value, causing huge economic losses for farmers. So what causes cracked roots in carrots? How should they be prevented? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction.

1. Uneven water supply

The main cause of cracked roots in carrots is uneven soil water supply during the growth of the fleshy root. This is especially true when the soil is dry and short of water in the early growth stage, causing the skin to harden. Then in the later stage, when there is more rain or irrigation, the plant absorbs too much water, cell division inside speeds up, and the hardened surface cannot grow correspondingly, resulting in cracked roots.

Prevention method: During the carrot growing period, maintain a uniform water supply. Especially in the early stage, take care to keep the soil moist to avoid problems when there is a lot of rain later.

2. Excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer

Nitrogen fertilizer promotes carrot growth. To increase yield, many farmers tend to apply too much nitrogen fertilizer while neglecting other fertilizers, which leads to excessive growth of carrot roots and stems and accelerates root cracking.

Prevention and control method: When growing carrots, fertilize reasonably. At the seedling stage, mainly apply nitrogen fertilizer with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer as a supplement. In the middle and late stages, strictly avoid applying nitrogen fertilizer alone and increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, which can increase yield and reduce root cracking.

3. Boron deficiency

Carrots have a relatively low demand for boron, but boron is extremely important in the late growth stage of carrots. It can improve carrot quality and make the fleshy root grow more fully. If carrots are severely deficient in boron, their nutrient transport will be hindered, and hindered nutrient transport will lead to cracked roots.

Prevention method: During the carrot expansion stage, spray a 0.2-0.3% boron fertilizer solution, which can significantly improve yield and quality and reduce root cracking.

4. Soil reasons

Carrots like to grow in loose, fertile soil. If planted in clay soil or soil with many hard objects, the expansion of the fleshy root will be hindered, causing forking, cracked roots and other problems.

Prevention method: Therefore, when planting, use loose, fertile soil. Before planting, prepare the land, remove stones and other hard objects from the field, and rake the soil fine and level before planting.

The above is an introduction to the causes of cracked roots in carrots and prevention methods. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.