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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Parlier, California » San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center » Water Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #158612

Title: APPLICATION OF FUMIGANTS THROUGH MICROIRRIGATION SYSTEMS.

Author
item Trout, Thomas
item AJWA, HUSEIN - UC DAVIS

Submitted to: ASAE Annual International Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/28/2003
Publication Date: 7/28/2003
Citation: TROUT, T.J., AJWA, H.A. APPLICATION OF FUMIGANTS THROUGH MICROIRRIGATION SYSTEMS. ASAE ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL MEETING. 2003. PAPER #032021.

Interpretive Summary: With the phase-out of methyl bromide, alternatives are needed that can disinfest soils for the planting of high value fruits and vegetable crops. Alternative chemical fumigants can be applied effectively and economically in irrigation water through drip irrigation systems. Procedures and equipment are described for application of fumigants to soils. We have successfully drip applied fumigants on research plots and grower trials for 7 years and have achieved efficacy equivalent to shank-applied fumigants. Good irrigation distribution uniformity and safety are critical issues for drip fumigation. Three fumigants were registered for drip application in 2001. Over 2000 Ha of land was fumigated last year before planting strawberry, melon and peppers.

Technical Abstract: With the phase-out of methyl bromide, alternatives are needed that can disinfest soils for the planting of high value fruits and vegetable crops. Alternative chemical fumigants can be applied effectively and economically in irrigation water through drip irrigation systems. Procedures and equipment are described for application of fumigants to soils. We have successfully drip applied fumigants on research plots and grower trials for 7 years and have achieved efficacy equivalent to shank-applied fumigants. Good irrigation distribution uniformity and safety are critical issues for drip fumigation. Three fumigants were registered for drip application in 2001. Over 2000 Ha of land was fumigated last year before planting strawberry, melon and peppers.