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?

FireSolarPesticideSteamComposting

What's Necessary for Composting?

Raw Material- Used plant material, bark, wood, etcHeat- heat will occur naturally as microorganisms break down the plant material. It will also destroy most unwanted organismsMoisture- helps facilitate decompositionCover- either bark or plastic

What are important considerations?

Ability to monitor and control temperature- temperature may rise to high levels, resulting in spontaneous combustionSpace- depending on scale, you must have adequate space to compostMust make sure compost is cured- uncured material will result in nutrition problems. In uncured compost, microorganisms will use up nitrogen, resulting in iron chlorosis.