Fallow Scour or Flooded Soil Syndrome (FSFSS)
James J. Hoorman Hoorman Soil Health Services Fallow, Scour, or Flooded Soil Syndrome (FSFSS) occurs on preventive planted acres without a cover crop or flooded fields with no crop grown for extended periods. Generally, corn and small grains are the most often affected but soybeans can also be hurt. At Dekalb corn plots in Perrysburg, Ohio; FSFSS syndromes were seen this year with corn being 8 to 15 inches shorter and less vigorous. FSFSS occurs because phosphorus (P) and/or zinc (Zn) are not available due to the decline in soil Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Fungus (AMF). The AMF form a hyphae soil network (like a spider web) extending the reach of roots as much as 6-18 inches; absorbing water, macro, and micro-nutrients in exchange for plant root sugars. FSFSS occurs because without live host plants during fallow periods, AMF hyphae have to reestablish and/or reproduce from spores next year. This process can take several months, so P lacking corn symptoms may be visible into July or even lon...