soil sterilization you add a little of this and a little of that!
TRANSCRIPT
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Soil Sterilization
You add a little of This and a little of
That!
![Page 2: Soil Sterilization You add a little of This and a little of That!](https://reader036.vdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022062802/56649eaa5503460f94bae902/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
What is Soil Sterilization
The process of destroying all organisms
in the soil ecosystem
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Why Sterilize
Sterilizing soil destroys most pathogens (Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, nematodes, etc), weed
seeds, and other harmful organisms that may be in the
soil.
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How do Growers Sterilize the Soil?
Fire
Solar
Pesticide
Steam
Composting
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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
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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.