Heavy rainfall can lead to numerous hazards, for example:

Root loss occurs when excess water reduces oxygen in the soil. A plant cannot grow without healthy roots. Extreme summer rain can leach nitrogen out of the soil; nitrogen is vital for photosynthesis.

Rain contains nitrates—an important macro-nutrient. Nitrates, which are made up of nitrogen and oxygen, are formulated by nature for maximum uptake by your plants. Plants typically absorb most of their nitrates from the soil. And where do those nitrates come from? Rain!

• flooding, including risk to human life, damage to buildings and infrastructure, and loss of crops and livestock.
• landslides, which can threaten human life, disrupt transport and communications, and cause damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Excessive soaking after rain showers and storms can ruin plants’ roots, which in turn affects how plants grow. All parts of plants need oxygen to survive, so if they don’t have oxygen, they won’t survive. Deep roots may be affected first, but shallow roots can also succumb to damage if wet weather continues.

While the roots of a plant take up water, they also need air to breathe. Overwatering, in simple terms, drowns your plant. If there is too much water or the soil is constantly wet, there is not enough air pockets. This results in a limited oxygen supply and plants are not able to breathe.

Apply mulch, preferably a reflective mulch such as dry grass clippings. The first line of defense against hot weather and the windy conditions that can dry surface soil is to apply a liberal layer of mulch around the plants. This protects the soil from direct sun exposure, keeping it moist at the surface.