What effect does excess water have on cereal crops?

Excess water in the soil creates a saturated environment that can be detrimental to cereal crops. Specifically, it favors the development of diseases such as take-all and eyespot. These diseases thrive in conditions where excess moisture is present because the wet conditions create a suitable habitat for pathogens to proliferate. Take-all is caused by a soil-borne fungus which attacks the roots and structures of grass plants, including cereal crops, while eyespot is a fungal disease that can damage the leaves. Both of these diseases are often exacerbated by waterlogged conditions, leading to reduced crop health and yields.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the realities of excess water in cereal crops. For instance, increased drought tolerance is not applicable as excess water does not promote resilience to drought conditions. Similarly, enhancing yield potential is unlikely in waterlogged conditions, as diseases and poor root health typically limit overall plant growth and productivity. Finally, excess water does not stimulate root growth; in fact, it can lead to root rot and reduced oxygen availability in the soil, negatively affecting root development and plant vigor. Therefore, the answer that highlights the link between excess water and disease prevalence is the most accurate.