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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Plant Pathology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #250622
Title: Integrating soil solarization into crop production systems

Author
item CHELLEMI, DANIEL

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/17/2010
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Expanding the commercial application of soil solarization will require new innovative approaches to improve soil heating within the framework of existing crop production systems and the continued evolution of soil solarization as a key component of integrated pest management programs and not a stand alone soil disinfestation practice. Improving the thermal conduction of heat through the soil profile through passive (solar) heating of drip irrigation systems was presented as an example of a new approach to enhance soil heating. Combining soil solarization with sequential applications of low doses of soil fumigants or more benign biorational compounds is another approach to expanding the application window. Developing more pest control thresholds or economic injury levels for soilborne pests will allow commercial growers to assess and weigh the potential risks of soil solarization based methods to more conventional approaches to soil disinfestation such as fumigation or steam sterilization.

Technical Abstract: Soil solarization remains one of but a handful of nonchemical soil disinfestation methods suitable for high-value crops such as cut-flowers, strawberry and fresh market tomato and pepper. Recognition of soil solarization within the context of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach is paramount to its successful integration into commercial crop production systems. Knowledge of the application process, familiarity with the constraints and limitations of soil solarization, identification of the target pest complex and understanding the crop production system are all essential components within an IPM approach. Recognizing sources variability that effect performance and subsequent adaptation to address those sources may be necessary to overcome its limitations. This chapter will highlight several areas that impact the integration of soil solarization into commercial agricultural systems and will provide some examples of solutions used to overcome those obstacles.