After the Rain Come Molds

“Thank goodness, it will be raining in a few days!” we often hear whenever the weather forecast predicts hearty amounts of rain. While this sign of prosperity and life to come in the spring sure is a good indication for us to take out the raincoats, only it may not always be a good sign for farmers.

Rain in the winter season brings joy and relief to farmers, as well as life to their land. Rain hydrates crops and grass for animals. It recharges creeks, reservoirs, and the groundwater table. It washes away all of the summer dust and converts dry grass into decomposing carbon for soil microbes. It forces farmers to take a break from outside work in order to rest or finish indoor projects.

Rain affects the outcome of crops and the livelihoods of farmers’ families. However, the amount of rain is not always the limiting factor; it is rather the timing and amount of it.

When the ground is flooded, a farmer cannot drive a tractor in the field for fear of compacting the soil and destroying hundreds of years of soil structure and microbial diversity. Farmers may also miss the narrow window for cultivating their fields, delaying the careful planning of crops for the season.

Knowing when and how much to water is a skill backed by years of experience for farmers. Too much watering could drown the crops, especially if rain has fallen. However, a combination of insufficient watering and a lack of rainfall could result in crop failure.
Underwatering deprives the plant of water, which can result in crop death or yield loss. Overwatering, on the other hand, can cause browned tips of crop leaves, as well as root rot and other problems.

Crops that are too wet may mold or become infected with fungus. The soil may also begin to accumulate bacteria, mold, and fungus, which are then absorbed by the plant. While not as common in crops as it is in indoor plants, poor drainage and irrigation systems can result in these types of growths taking control of your crops.

Too much direct water can saturate plants, allowing mold and mildew to grow. This frequently results in the death of otherwise healthy plants.

Diseases like molds or fungi can spread among your crops. Rainfall is also a good predictor of common crop disease because it can affect disease spread. Rain can spread pathogens, pests, and other diseases to plants, resulting in massive crop failure. This could reduce its yield or render the entire field unusable.

Besides disease, rainfall can also determine how fast a crop will grow from seed, including when it will be ready for harvesting. A good balance of rain and proper irrigation can lead to faster-growing plants, which can cut down on germination time and the length between seeding and harvest. The crops are dependent on water during their entire lifecycle in order to survive and thrive.

PS: Copious amounts of rain not only promote crop growth but also weeds, which might compromise overall crop performance.

Rainfall has a significant impact on soil. If the soil is too wet or too dry, nutrients can run off and not reach the plants’ roots, resulting in poor growth and overall health. Furthermore, as previously stated, overwatering or too much rain can promote the growth of bacteria, fungus, and mold in the soil.

In traditional farming, the negative effects may not be immediately apparent. Assume that the leaves of a plant you are growing are turning brown. Contrary to popular belief, this could be due to the plant not receiving enough water. Instead, due to waterlogging, the roots may be having difficulty supplying readily available water to the leaves.

In traditional farming, the negative effects may not be immediately apparent. Assume that the leaves of a plant you are growing are turning brown. Contrary to popular belief, this could be due to the plant not receiving enough water. Instead, due to waterlogging, the roots may be having difficulty supplying readily available water to the leaves.

1. Ensure proper drainage
   Setting up a well-planned drainage system before the monsoon season can go a long way in reducing the negative effects of rains. Usually, rainwater accumulates in a field and percolates into the soil, in the absence of an appropriate drainage system. This eventually drowns the roots and destroys the plants.
2. Regularly prune all damaged plants
   Routinely check your plants for signs of ill health, especially after a harsh bout of rainfall. If you spot any parts that show signs of browning, or weakness or look like they are about to fall off, cut them immediately.  By doing so, you will probably stop the problem from spreading to the other parts of the plant and chances are, the plant will start growing back to health as time passes.
3. Set up a rain cover
   One of the most obvious ways to protect your plants is to literally prevent water from reaching them by installing rain covers. Rain covers, in particular, could be a game changer for you if the majority of your plants grow in an open area.

However, there are a few things to consider before selecting one. To begin, choose a cover that is both durable and tear-resistant, as well as easily reusable. It is also critical to compare the size of your farm and the plants you grow to the dimensions of the cover so that you do not under or overestimate the area that the cover will protect.

4. Provide extra support
   When heavy rains are accompanied by strong winds, a slew of additional problems arise. Smaller plants, for example, are extremely tender. As a result, the force of the wind may cause them to bend and break. It is best to stake your plants to avoid this outcome. Install a wooden stake very close to the plant and use a few strings to attach the plant’s stem to the stake. This adds another layer of protection to the plant.