Why people disinfect the soil after harvest: methods of treatment

If you grow vegetables and fruits on your plot, you definitely need to know why you should disinfect the soil after harvesting. This procedure will help maintain your plants' health and get a rich harvest next season.

Although the soil may initially seem clean and safe, it can hide dangerous pests and pathogens. That's why it's so important to disinfect it after harvesting. Experts from the Gardener's Pharmacy explained why it is so important and how to do it correctly.

Soil disinfection is the key to a healthy harvest

Soil treatment helps to destroy pests and pathogens that can accumulate over several seasons. If this is not done, even high-quality plant treatment does not guarantee complete protection. Before starting disinfection, you need to clear the area of plant residues and dig the ground thoroughly.

Heat treatment: high temperature against pathogens

One of the most popular methods is to heat the soil. This can be done by boiling water or heating the soil in an oven. This method destroys fungal spores, bacteria, as well as pest larvae and eggs. For greater efficiency, the soil should be stirred during heating.

Biological disinfection for long-term cleaning

This method involves the creation of compost piles to which fresh manure and lime are added. Over the course of 2-3 years, the soil in these stacks is dug up several times to remove weeds and pests.

Chemicals for quick treatment

For disinfection, solutions of potassium permanganate, copper sulfate, or special preparations such as Fundazim or Antichrysum are often used. The chemical method allows you to quickly clean the soil from harmful microorganisms and insects.

Features of greenhouse treatment

Due to high humidity, fungal infections often develop in greenhouses. To prevent this, a 25-centimeter layer of soil is sometimes removed and disinfected separately with boiling water. To increase efficiency, the treatment can be combined with potassium permanganate.

Use of white mustard as a safe remedy

White mustard is used as a natural pest control agent. In the spring, the soil is tilled, mustard powder is applied, and the area is covered with a film for two weeks. This helps to kill nematodes, mites, fungi, and other pathogens.

Fumigation: soil treatment with gases

Fumigation is the use of toxic substances that destroy pathogens. It is carried out by spraying gases or embedding special tablets in the soil. Due to the high danger, this method should be trusted only by specialists.

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