Sodium: A mineral salt that, in excess, can be detrimental to plant health by disrupting water uptake and causing soil salinity.1
Sodium in the garden is like salt on your French fries: a little is okay, but too much ruins everything. In soil, high sodium levels can make it difficult for plants to absorb water, even if there’s plenty of moisture available. The sodium ions compete with the plant roots, creating a “physiological drought.” Essentially, your plants are thirsty, but they can’t drink.
Think of it like this: if you try to drink saltwater, you’ll actually become more dehydrated. Excess sodium in the soil can have a similar effect on plants. It can also lead to soil salinity, which is a condition where the soil becomes too salty for most plants to tolerate. This can be a real problem in coastal areas or where de-icing salts are used in winter.
Managing sodium levels in your garden is crucial for healthy plant growth. If you suspect your soil has high sodium, a soil test can help determine the extent of the problem. Then, you can take steps to leach the sodium out of the soil with plenty of fresh water or add soil amendments like gypsum to help improve drainage and reduce salinity.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as health, wellness or nutrition advice. Please see our full disclaimers here.
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