Author
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Paulitz, Timothy |
Submitted to: Soil Science Society of America Special Publication Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 9/20/2010 Publication Date: 3/20/2011 Citation: Paulitz, T.C. 2011. Disease management. In: Hatfield, J.L., Sauer, T.J., editors. Soil management: building a stable base for agriculture. Madison WI: American Society of Agronomy and Soil Science of America. p. 265-274. Interpretive Summary: Soilborne pathogens that cause root diseases spend most of their life cycle in or on the soil. Soil management decisions will influence the survival, growth of these pathogens and severity of disease. Many of the cultural methods that growers have relied on in the past to reduce the impact of these pathogens, such as tillage, can have negative effects on soil health and sustainability. But conversely, no-till practices, designed to improve sustainability, can exacerbate some diseases. Thus, growers must balance crop health vs soil health in making management decisions. Innovative technologies, such as resistant cultivars and inducing and maintaining microbial suppressive soils, may solve this dilemma in the future. Technical Abstract: Soilborne pathogens that cause root diseases spend most of their life cycle in or on the soil. Soil management decisions will influence the survival, growth of these pathogens and severity of disease. Many of the cultural methods that growers have relied on in the past to reduce the impact of these pathogens, such as tillage, can have negative effects on soil health and sustainability. But conversely, no-till practices, designed to improve sustainability, can exacerbate some diseases. Thus, growers must balance crop health vs soil health in making management decisions. Innovative technologies, such as resistant cultivars and inducing and maintaining microbial suppressive soils, may solve this dilemma in the future. |