It has been discovered that applying diformylurea (DFU) to seed of crop plants enhances the feeder root capability of the plants to take up water and minerals from the soil environment. A further discovery is that crop plant cellular water and soil maintenance around feeder roots is increased by applying DFU to crop seeds prior to planting, to the soil surrounding the plants or to foliage of the plants. A still further discovery is that crop plant drowning is prevented when flooded by excessive rain or other types of flooding. A still further discovery is that crop plant yields are enhanced by combining DFU and nitrogen fertilizer to the soil of the crop plants.
