As harvest wraps up, it may feel like we’ve reached the finish line. The crop is off the trees and attention shifts to winter prep. But beneath the soil, the plant can still be active with fresh root growth, which agronomists call post-harvest root flush. Post-harvest root flush refers to the period after a crop is harvested when the plant’s roots experience renewed growth and activity.
This flush happens because the plant has stored energy that isn’t going into nut or fruit production anymore. Cooler, moist soils and fewer demands above ground give the roots a chance to push out new growth. It’s a short window that can be critical for next season’s success.
Fresh root growth after harvest plays multiple roles:
- It helps capture nutrients that would otherwise be lost and stores them in the plant for the next season.
- It feeds soil microbes through root exudates, which in turn build soil biology.
In permanent tree and vine crops, strong root activity in the fall supports spring bud development and vigor. The opportunity for growers is clear: supporting root activity during this window strengthens the plant and sets the stage for better performance in the season ahead.
Bionutrition plays a critical role during the post-harvest root flush period. One solution that can support post-harvest root flush is Zicron®. Zicron is a zinc, manganese, and sulfur product built with Transit® biostimulant, designed for high nutrient mobility and uptake within the plant. With the inclusion of Transit, Zicron supports improved rooting by enhancing auxin signaling to drive root development after harvest. Zicron’s ability to support nutrient uptake and stimulate root growth can lead to a noticeable difference in yield potential down the line.
Harvest may close one chapter, but the work under the soil continues. Paying attention to post-harvest flush is one of the best ways to carry momentum into next year’s crop.
