Lodging is the displacement of stems or roots from their vertical and proper placement. It can cause lower yields and diminish nutrient density. The causes of plant lodging are legion. High nitrogen levels, storm damage, soil density, disease, sowing date, overpopulation, and seed type are all contributing factors to lodging in cereal crops. The most common plants affected by lodging are corn, but other cereal and grain crops are also at risk.
Key Facts
- Overcrowding: High plant populations can lead to lodging as plants compete for space and resources.
- Wet soil: Excess moisture in the soil can weaken the root system, making plants more susceptible to lodging.
- Excess nitrogen: High levels of nitrogen in the soil can promote rapid and excessive growth, resulting in weak stems that are prone to lodging.
- Wind and rain: Strong winds and heavy rainfall can physically push or bend the stems of plants, causing lodging.
- Crop height: Taller crops are more prone to lodging as their height increases the leverage on the stem, making them more susceptible to bending or breaking.
- Crop variety: Some crop varieties are more prone to lodging than others. Breeding for lodging resistance is an important consideration in crop improvement programs.
Overcrowding
High plant populations can lead to lodging as plants compete for space and resources. Overcrowding prevents plants from growing tillers, which become crown roots—the main anchors for the plant.
Wet Soil
Excess moisture in the soil can weaken the root system, making plants more susceptible to lodging. Wet soil is unstable and does not afford an adequate foothold for young roots.
Excess Nitrogen
High levels of nitrogen in the soil can promote rapid and excessive growth, resulting in weak stems that are prone to lodging. Excess nitrogen creates an environment that encourages stem and leafy growth, but the rapid rate can cause weak and skinny stems that are too feeble to hold themselves up.
Wind and Rain
Strong winds and heavy rainfall can physically push or bend the stems of plants, causing lodging. Wind and rain are contributing factors to lodging that are difficult to control.
Crop Height
Taller crops are more prone to lodging as their height increases the leverage on the stem, making them more susceptible to bending or breaking.
Crop Variety
Some crop varieties are more prone to lodging than others. Breeding for lodging resistance is an important consideration in crop improvement programs.
Conclusion
Lodging can be a significant problem for farmers, leading to reduced yields and increased production costs. By understanding the causes of lodging, farmers can take steps to reduce the risk of this problem occurring in their crops.
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/plants-affected-by-lodging.htm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodging_(agriculture)
- https://www.nature.com/articles/srep31890
FAQs
What is lodging?
Lodging is the displacement of stems or roots from their vertical and proper placement. It can cause lower yields and diminish nutrient density.
What are the main causes of lodging?
The main causes of lodging are overcrowding, wet soil, excess nitrogen, wind and rain, crop height, and crop variety.
How does overcrowding contribute to lodging?
High plant populations can lead to lodging as plants compete for space and resources. Overcrowding prevents plants from growing tillers, which become crown roots—the main anchors for the plant.
How does wet soil contribute to lodging?
Excess moisture in the soil can weaken the root system, making plants more susceptible to lodging. Wet soil is unstable and does not afford an adequate foothold for young roots.
How does excess nitrogen contribute to lodging?
High levels of nitrogen in the soil can promote rapid and excessive growth, resulting in weak stems that are prone to lodging. Excess nitrogen creates an environment that encourages stem and leafy growth, but the rapid rate can cause weak and skinny stems that are too feeble to hold themselves up.
How do wind and rain contribute to lodging?
Strong winds and heavy rainfall can physically push or bend the stems of plants, causing lodging. Wind and rain are contributing factors to lodging that are difficult to control.
How does crop height contribute to lodging?
Taller crops are more prone to lodging as their height increases the leverage on the stem, making them more susceptible to bending or breaking.
How does crop variety contribute to lodging?
Some crop varieties are more prone to lodging than others. Breeding for lodging resistance is an important consideration in crop improvement programs.