diff --git a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_core/functions.lua b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_core/functions.lua
index 3d47336f3..3d1ff202e 100644
--- a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_core/functions.lua
+++ b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_core/functions.lua
@@ -772,9 +772,9 @@ minetest.register_abm({
 			return
 		end
 		local can_change = false
-		local above = {x=pos.x, y=pos.y+1, z=pos.z}
+		local above = vector.offset(pos,0,1,0)
 		local abovenode = minetest.get_node(above)
-		if minetest.get_item_group(abovenode.name, "liquid") ~= 0 or minetest.get_item_group(abovenode.name, "opaque") == 1 then
+		if minetest.get_item_group(abovenode.name, "liquid") ~= 0 or minetest.get_item_group(abovenode.name, "opaque") == 1 or minetest.get_item_group(abovenode.name, "soil") ~= 0  then
 			-- Never grow directly below liquids or opaque blocks
 			return
 		end