From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Southeast

soil borne diseases by adding large amounts of bacteria? Has anyone employed this stradegy who doesnt have the luxury of crop rotation?

1/8/2006 7:57:11 PM

Ontario, Canada.

David, I understand that nematodes can be reduced. However it is my opinion that in adding non crop quantities of OM you are diluting the effects of the pathogen. This is an important point as several studies point to increased disease in low tillage systems. The opposite is true of our situation. Though we add many different types of OM components I believe a good liberal application of OM adds to the biodiversity of soil organisms. Restoring beneficial organisms that attack and repel, pathogens will help soils become disease-suppressive.

"Soil Organic Matter, Green Manures and Cover Crops For Nematode Management"

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VH037

1/8/2006 9:42:35 PM

Nashville, TN

If you've had particular diseases in your crops and cannot rotate... You might look into 'solarization sterilization' of your soil. This will reduce most pathogens - but as it's name implies - will also reduce everything else that's living.. So anticipate having to add worms and fresh compost to reload the bacteria..

Solarization Sterilization = Putting clear plastic over the plot and tucking in the edges to seal it. Usually done for 1 1/2 - 3 months with daytime temps over 60. Temperatures under the plastic can hit 120. This will effectively 'sterilize' the soil down to around 6-8" (if I remember right) MOST bacteria, fungi and viruses cannot survive this, and worms will usually move to other areas outside of the plot being treated.

Also, make sure if you have infected plant material - to BURN it away from your garden plot. Never compost it!

1/9/2006 7:36:57 AM

[email protected]

By diltion of of pathogenic inoculant (spores, etc)...Yes.
By adding a suitable host for beneficials...Yes.
But you need to choose & apply new beneficial inoculants wisely.
Mycorrhizae lives all year unless it's been killed.
Bacterial inoculants need to be reapplied every 3 weeks.

I'd like to steam that patch Dave but who has a portable steam generator that large? Plus I've never seen a steam plate that penetrates deeply. Injector plates are also not engineered to run deep enough for our purposes either.

We need a retired steam engine boiler on a trailer, a fuel source, a good welder and a retired member of the NYC Steam Fitters Union. Then we're in.

1/9/2006 9:09:33 AM

Norton, MA

You could fumigate. Works very well, but it's costly and it kills EVERYTHING. AleX Noel.

1/9/2006 6:18:46 PM

[email protected]

The casusal pathogen won't be controlled unless it is in an active growth stage. So soil temperatures have to be at peak growing conditions. This means not growing so that the fumigant can be applied mid-summer.

Folks who apply Basamid & similar in the spring are not realizing the real potential benefit.

Steam (if practical) would permit immediate replanting.

1/10/2006 10:37:41 AM