Articles
SOIL SOLARIZATION
Article number
152_24
Pages
227 – 236
Language
Abstract
Solar heating of soil (solarization) is a new method for disinfestation, developed in Israel and tried or adapted in at least 13 other countries, since 1976. Moistened soil is covered (tarped) for about one month with transparent polyethylene during the hot season, thereby increasing soil temperatures.
In countries with suitable climate conditions (e.g.
Israel, USA, Greece, Jordan, Pakistan), soil solarization controlled diseases caused by Verticillium, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum or melonis, Orobanche, Sclerotium rolfsii, Pratylenchus and others as well as weeds.
Yield was greatly increased, depending on soil infestation.
An extended effect in disease control and yield increase in the second year after solarization was found with diseases of cotton (Fusarium and Verticillium), melons (Fusarium) and others.
Biological control, induced, in certain cases, by solarization contributes to pathogen control.
Computerized models for predicting solar heating were developed.
Increased plant growth response in various soils without known pathogens was recorded.
This was often correlated with release of mineral nutrients and organic substances in the soil solution.
Combining solarization with chemical or biological control agents improved and extended the control.
Solarization is not effective against certain diseases or in cold regions.
It is a nonchemical control method with advantages and limitations, which, under the right circumstances, is effective, simple and economic.
Possible negative side effects should be looked for and investigated.
In countries with suitable climate conditions (e.g.
Israel, USA, Greece, Jordan, Pakistan), soil solarization controlled diseases caused by Verticillium, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum or melonis, Orobanche, Sclerotium rolfsii, Pratylenchus and others as well as weeds.
Yield was greatly increased, depending on soil infestation.
An extended effect in disease control and yield increase in the second year after solarization was found with diseases of cotton (Fusarium and Verticillium), melons (Fusarium) and others.
Biological control, induced, in certain cases, by solarization contributes to pathogen control.
Computerized models for predicting solar heating were developed.
Increased plant growth response in various soils without known pathogens was recorded.
This was often correlated with release of mineral nutrients and organic substances in the soil solution.
Combining solarization with chemical or biological control agents improved and extended the control.
Solarization is not effective against certain diseases or in cold regions.
It is a nonchemical control method with advantages and limitations, which, under the right circumstances, is effective, simple and economic.
Possible negative side effects should be looked for and investigated.
Authors
J. Katan
Keywords
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