Photo: Barley fields, Driggs, Idaho. copyright Delena Norris-Tull, 2020
Soil Solarization
Soil solarization is a simple technique for weed management. Texas A&M Agrilife provides a brief explanation of its use. This technique involves “covering the ground with a tarp, usually a transparent polyethylene cover, to trap solar energy…The sun heats the soil to temperatures that kill bacteria, fungi, insects, nematodes, mites, weeds, and weed seeds.” This technique has various limitations to its use. This process must be carried out before crops are planted. All plant material is removed before the soil is solarized. After solarization, the soil biota must be replaced with the use of compost.
The California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program points out that solarization works better on annual weeds and may not be as effective for perennial weeds. That website provides additional information on the benefits and limitations of soil solarization.
The Colorado State University Extension website adds additional information on its use.
Links to additional Agricultural Best Practices:
Links to additional Innovative Solutions:
Soil Solarization
Soil solarization is a simple technique for weed management. Texas A&M Agrilife provides a brief explanation of its use. This technique involves “covering the ground with a tarp, usually a transparent polyethylene cover, to trap solar energy…The sun heats the soil to temperatures that kill bacteria, fungi, insects, nematodes, mites, weeds, and weed seeds.” This technique has various limitations to its use. This process must be carried out before crops are planted. All plant material is removed before the soil is solarized. After solarization, the soil biota must be replaced with the use of compost.
The California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program points out that solarization works better on annual weeds and may not be as effective for perennial weeds. That website provides additional information on the benefits and limitations of soil solarization.
The Colorado State University Extension website adds additional information on its use.
Links to additional Agricultural Best Practices:
- Ecologically based Successional Management
- Perennial Crops, Intercropping, beneficial insects
- Natural Farming
- Permaculture
- Organic Farming
- Embedding Natural Habitats
- Conservation Tillage
- Crop Rotation
- Water Use Practices
- Tree Planting: Pros & Cons
Links to additional Innovative Solutions: