Soil Sterilization

You add a little of This and a little of

That!

What is Soil Sterilization

The process of destroying all organisms

in the soil ecosystem

Why Sterilize

Sterilizing soil destroys most pathogens (Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, nematodes, etc), weed

seeds, and other harmful organisms that may be in the

soil.

How do Growers Sterilize the Soil?

Fire

Solar

Pesticide

Steam

Composting

What's Necessary for Composting?

Raw Material- Used plant material, bark, wood, etc

Heat- heat will occur naturally as microorganisms break down the plant material. It will also destroy most unwanted organisms

Moisture- helps facilitate decomposition

Cover- either bark or plastic

What are important considerations?

Ability to monitor and control temperature- temperature may rise to high levels, resulting in spontaneous combustion

Space- depending on scale, you must have adequate space to compost

Must make sure compost is cured- uncured material will result in nutrition problems. In uncured compost, microorganisms will use up nitrogen, resulting in iron chlorosis.