Clubroot, wet springs and mud

Moving soil means moving clubroot. Because more soil clings to machinery in wet conditions, wet springs will increase the risk of clubroot movement.

Wet springs and rapid runoff can also mean ruts and gullies. If using your own equipment to smooth the seedbed, consider cleaning it between fields or weigh the benefit and potential costs of tackling that muddy ahead of seeding. If renting equipment to do the job, check it over for hitchhiking mud and soil before letting it on to the farm.

Have a conversation with custom applicators or others working on your land about your expectations for sanitation. Make sure everyone is on the same page.

This is about more than clubroot. The list of soil-borne pathogens and pests is large. It includes aphanomyces, phytophthera, verticillium, nematodes and weed seeds.

Further reading:

Top 10 questions about clubroot
How clubroot spreads