What mineral toxicities can result from flooding?

Flooding can significantly alter soil conditions, leading to various mineral toxicities. Soil salinity is particularly relevant in this context. When soils are saturated with water, the natural drainage is impeded, and this can result in a concentration of salts within the soil due to evaporation and capillary rise. High levels of salts can adversely affect plant health, leading to toxicity that might inhibit growth, reduce nutrient uptake, and cause physiological stress.

The presence of excessive salts in the soil can also disrupt the osmotic balance, making it more difficult for plants to absorb water. Consequently, salt-induced stress often manifests in symptoms such as leaf burn, wilting, and eventually, plant death if the salinity levels remain unmitigated.

In comparison, while excess potassium, deficiencies of micronutrients, and extreme acidity may have implications in various other soil conditions, they do not directly stem from the flooding process. Instead, their effects are more relevant in different soil management contexts rather than as direct consequences of flooding.