Salt

What Does Salt Mean?

In gardening, salt refers to the crystalline compound that generally occurs after a toxic buildup of fertilizer or from improper pH levels. A salt buildup is dangerous to plants since salt prevents the roots from absorbing proper nutrients.

In excessive quantities, salt can burn the plants and cause instant death or irreversible damage. An overly high quantity of fertilizer can also create salt burn in plants.

Maximum Yield Explains Salt

According to the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, to prevent salt buildup it is important to leach the container of soil every few months or so. This process is also known as flushing, and it is also sometimes recommended in hydroponic gardens as well.

Do do this, twice as much water as the container volume should be added to ensure proper salt distribution while preventing accumulation. If salt has already started to build up, gardeners should remove around a quarter to half an inch of the crystalline white crust and begin the soil leaching process.

Another way of preventing salt burn in plants is by ensuring that the plant is being treated with the appropriate type of fertilizer. Some types of fertilizers are not suitable for every type of plant, hence the importance of properly reading the packaging instructions before adding any product to your garden.