In recent years, the cultivation of high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers has expanded rapidly. The area under protected agriculture has also grown significantly. High-density farming and continuous cropping on the same land can help conserve soil, but they also promote the accumulation and reproduction of harmful pathogens. If these diseases are not controlled effectively, they can lead to severe yield losses, reduced product quality, or even total crop failure. Soil disinfection is therefore a crucial practice for managing soil-borne diseases and has become an essential need for many farmers. Common methods include crop rotation, organic fertilizer application, soil improvement, and chemical disinfection.
Crop rotation helps in the efficient use of soil nutrients and moisture, improves soil structure, and enhances fertility. It also disrupts the life cycle of pests and pathogens by changing the host plants, reducing disease occurrence and preventing the buildup of toxic substances from previous crops.
The use of organic fertilizers increases soil organic matter, improves soil texture, water retention, and microbial activity. These benefits help suppress pest populations and reduce disease incidence.
Soil transformation involves replacing non-toxic soil with fresh material, which reduces the concentration of pests and pathogens and creates a less favorable environment for their survival.
Soil sterilization techniques include solar heating, steam treatment, boiling, and burning. Solar disinfection involves covering the soil with plastic after applying organic matter, allowing temperatures to rise to 50-60°C for 15-20 days. For small areas, exposing soil to sunlight for 3-15 days can also eliminate pathogens. Steam disinfection uses heat from a boiler to raise soil temperature and kill pathogens, though it requires specialized equipment and is mainly used for high-value crops. Boiling soil in pots is another simple method suitable for small-scale applications. Burning soil over fire can destroy pests and add organic matter, improving soil purity.
Chemical treatments involve spraying or watering solutions like formaldehyde, daisammonium, or Bordeaux mixture into the soil. These agents kill bacteria and fungi, prevent diseases, and are commonly used in nurseries and seedbeds. Fumigation with methyl bromide or other chemicals is effective for larger fields but requires careful handling to avoid phytotoxicity.
Safety precautions are essential during soil disinfection. Operators must be trained, and disinfected areas should be clearly marked. Ventilation is necessary after fumigation, and no planting should occur until the chemicals have fully dissipated.
Applying the right dosage per square meter is critical. For example, sulfur powder (25-30g) is used in greenhouses, while lime (30-40g) helps neutralize acidic soils. Carbendazim, zeson zinc, and other fungicides are mixed with soil for disease prevention. Proper application methods, such as furrow or hole placement, ensure effectiveness without harming plants.
These practices not only improve soil health but also support sustainable and productive agriculture, ensuring better yields and higher-quality produce for farmers and consumers alike.
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