3 EASY SOIL STERILIZATION TECHNIQUE

Are you wondering why weeds infest your potted garden, sack farm or seed nursery at the early stage? Have you tried to think through it when you see your plants meltdown or are stunted as a result of the activities of harmful pathogens? Have you tried to search for a solution or get a way around it but yet it’s still not working? Have you tried a way and it looks complex? What if you get an easy process to combat this situation or you understand what is going on? Perhaps, reading this write-up further you might have the right information you need.

The soil is a hiding place for most microorganisms and most particles, the main reason bugs, insects, Fungus Gnat, Nematodes lay eggs in it and cause problems for growing plants. Weed seeds also add up to the soil component which grows alongside and competes with crops for nutrients. When it is required to raise nursery, engage in sack farming or raise potted plants, these pathogens, eggs or weed seeds can accompany the soil mass and affect the performance of crops to be raised. Hence, it is crucial to sterilize the soil so as to kill these troubling pathogens and weed seeds. There are various methods to sterilize our soil and can be done using some simple techniques.

The following ways can be used to carry out soil sterilization;

THE BOILING WATER METHOD: when using boiling water, place the quantity of soil in a bowl and pour boiling water over it. If the soil is moistened, turn it; ensure the boiled water moist the soil. This will kill all the potential pests and their eggs in the soil, leaving it fit for planting. Alternatively, you can fill a pan with water; place the layers of soil to be sterilized in a rack above it. You can then close the lid and bring it to a boil. Once boiled, allow the steam to escape through a small opening, and then leave the water boiling for 30 minutes. This will be enough to kill any pest in the soil mix. This latter method is called the steaming method.

THE OVEN METHOD: get an oven safe container, layer or spread your soil in it up to about 4 inches. Cover the soil layer with foil and place it in the oven to be heated to about 82-92 degree Celsius. Take note not to overcook or overheat the soil above this temperature as it can trigger the soil to produce toxins that will not allow plants to grow. This can be managed by simply inserting a baking thermometer into the heating soil, once it is 82 degrees, off the oven, remove the container still covered with the foil and allow to cool off till you are ready to use it. 

THE MICROWAVE METHOD:  take a portion of the soil to be used, moist or dampen it in a microwave safe container with a lid that has a ventilation hole for steam to escape, place it in the microwave. Heat the soil on a high setting for about 90seconds per 900g of soil. Once done, remove and cover the ventilation holes with tape to restrict your sterilized soil from being contaminated by new pathogens or insects. Open it when you are ready to use it.

The understanding of these various techniques and rightful application will help to kill pathogens, insects, bugs, eggs and weed seeds thus making the soil free for use.