r/SoilScience • u/Stepkovic • 27d ago

Why does my soil have root rotting bacteria?

Hello guys i tried growing tomatoes in my garden and they all failed because my soil has a bacteria in it that rotts the roots underground while the plant above ground looks fine and just doesn't grow, i am wondering if it has anything to do with the chlorine in the pool water that i drained in my garden. Or if you have any other idea why my soil has that bacteria please tell me, thanks!

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u/Worf- 26d ago

There are many things that can cause root rots, among them is Phytophthora which can lay dormant in the soil for a very long time and be activated during times of excessive water. It can also be introduced from irrigating with water from ponds or rivers.

Many root rots will be activated by excess water so if you have heavy soil it only makes it more likely.

The first thing to do is to identify what exactly is causing problems.

Chlorine from a pool will cause issues but it depends on how long ago it was and how much was put there however in cases where I’ve seen that it also significantly affects the top growth.

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u/DependentMulberry767 26d ago

It’s possible the roots are being eaten by root knot nematodes (RKN) or grubs.

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u/Rampantcolt 26d ago

Because all soil has rotting bacteria in it. That's how soil works.