How can improper fertilization cause nutrient burn and salt buildup?

• A. It reduces root growth but not burn
• B. It helps plant growth
• C. Excess fertilizer raises EC and salts accumulate in the root zone causing leaf burn
• D. It has no effect on leaf health

Answer: (C)

When fertilizer is applied too aggressively, soluble salts build up in the growing medium and the solution’s electrical conductivity (EC) rises. This high salt environment creates osmotic stress for the plant, making it harder for roots to take up water. As salts accumulate in the root zone and are transported to the foliage, they can cause tissue damage that shows up as leaf burn or scorching along the edges and tips. So the core idea is that excessive fertilizer increases soluble salts, elevates EC, and drives salt injury in the leaves, rather than helping growth or having no effect. Flushing and reducing fertilizer rates help prevent this by lowering salt buildup and restoring healthier water uptake.