Due to increasing government regulations, wavering economies, environmental concerns, and changing consumer demands, today’s growers are tapping into new creative tools, products, and technologies to maximize the potential of their crops. One critical area to address is managing the many forms of plant stress that impact crops from season to season.
Plant stress takes many forms. It can be from both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) sources. Some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about plant stress are the following:
What is plant stress?
Plant stress can be defined in many ways. One definition of stress is an external factor that exerts a disadvantageous influence on the plant.1
What factors influence plant stress?
There are a multitude of factors that influence plant stress.
Biotic stress can be from pests such as insects, mites, pathogens, vertebrate pests, and plant parasitic nematodes. Often biotic signs of stress can be seen physically on the crops.
Abiotic stress can be caused by physical and environmental conditions. Some examples are wind, extreme temperatures (hot and cold), ultraviolet damage from sun exposure (often in summertime), extreme moisture (drought and extended water flood conditions, mechanical damage, and chemical problems). Typically signs of abiotic stress are not physically found on crops. In many cases abiotic stress is often the primary cause of plant stress, which may lead to secondary biotic plant stress.
How do I recognize plant stress?
Keen observation of your crops, plants, and their surrounding environment often will help identify plant stressors. Be inquisitive: ask focused questions about the crops, their site conditions, recent weather impacts, and cultural practices that will help to develop patterns of plant stress.
Utilizing diagnostic tools and technology can provide insight into the plant's nutritional balance or imbalances. Tools such as water, soil, tissue samples (traditional, and plant sap analysis), soil testing of the microbiome (mapping the soils biologic organisms), utilizing technologies such as field mapping software, and drones for instantaneous real-time diagnostic imagery are all effective strategies for identifying plant stress.
Approaching the situation logically moving from simple to more complex causes is a good systematic strategy.
How can I prevent plant stress in my crops or plants?
Mother nature cannot be controlled so there will always be some form of plant stress outside of our control. We can, however, take measures to minimize plant stress.
Regular testing (water, soil, and tissue) of our crops can help monitor necessary plant nutrient needs to maximize quality and yield potential. This also helps ensure a balanced agronomic nutritional program.
An important factor to limiting plant stress and maximizing the crops potential is focusing on soil health. “A healthy, fertile soil is necessary to grow healthy crops. Healthy soil has adequate air and water, balanced levels of essential plant nutrients, plenty of organic matter, and a thriving population of the beneficial organisms that help maintain soil health and nourish plants. These include certain bacteria, fungi, and earthworms.”2 Don’t let poor soil health affect your crops and generate plant stress.
What products help avoid plant stress?
Beneficial products to consider adding to your overall agronomic programs include compost paired with targeted soil amendments to build soil health, replenish lost essential nutrients, and aid soil structure.
You can also incorporate cover crops tailored to your unique situation and managed with the same care as your main crop. Often it can help improve soil aeration, water infiltration rates, improved moisture retention, and bring up the nutrients from the subsoil layer out of reach from many crops rootzone.
Another option is Soltellus™, a biodegradable, water-soluble polymer that supports plant resilience by improving nutrient cycling and water performance in the root zone. Its ability to enhance irrigation uniformity and nutrient availability makes it a strong addition to programs focused on minimizing stress throughout the growing season.
How does Soltellus™ support plant resilience?
Soltellus™ powers performance at every level—soil, water, and yield—by integrating easily across crop types, growth stages, and common application methods, including foliar sprays, in-furrow treatments, irrigation systems, side-dress applications, broadcast applications, and dry fertilizer impregnation. Its multifunctional mode of action contributes to stress reduction in several key ways:
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- Improved Nutrient Use Efficiency: Soltellus™ helps lock nutrients in the root zone, reducing loss and enabling more consistent plant uptake during critical growth stages.
- Enhanced Water Quality & Irrigation: By binding calcium and magnesium ions, Soltellus™ reduces hard water impact, keeps irrigation lines cleaner, and maintains consistent flow. This improves irrigation precision and moisture distribution for lower plant stress and more uniform growth in your crops.
- Stronger Soil Health & Microbial Activity: Soltellus™ supports a more balanced, biologically active soil ecosystem by stimulating beneficial decomposers and growth-promoting organisms. A healthier microbiome improves nutrient cycling, enhances root vitality, and builds long-term resilience that supports sustained harvest success.
Minimizing plant stress is a complicated challenge for today’s growers. Luckily, we have many new technologies and tools that make diagnosing plant stress a little easier. Focusing on the right agronomic areas such as building the soil health our crops need, and implementing cutting-edge solutions like Soltellus™ will help minimize plant stress and maximize your farm and crops potential.
Have questions about reducing plant stress or integrating Soltellus™ into your agronomic program? Get in touch with our team of specialists to discuss the best approach for your operation.
Sources:
1. Plant Physiology 3rd Edition. Taiz & Zeiger. Chapter 25 pg. 591.
2. The Biological Farmer: A Complete Guide to the Sustainable & Profitable Biological System of Farming. Gary F. Zimmer with Leilani Zimmer-Durand. Chapter 23, pg. 439.
