Soil serves as the primary medium for the spread of pests and diseases, and it is also a key location where pathogens, eggs, and insects multiply. Many harmful microorganisms, including fungal spores, nematodes, and insect eggs, can survive or overwinter in the soil, along with weed seeds. As a result, whether you're preparing seedbeds or using potted plants, it's essential to thoroughly disinfect the soil before planting. Common methods of soil disinfection include:
1. **Sunlight Disinfection** – Spread the prepared soil evenly on a clean, dry surface like concrete and expose it to direct sunlight for 3–15 days. This natural method effectively kills many pathogenic spores, hyphae, eggs, and pests.
2. **Steam Disinfection** – Place the soil in a steamer and heat it to 60–100°C for 30–60 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as this could harm beneficial microorganisms that help break down fertilizers and support plant growth.
3. **Boiling Water Disinfection** – Fill the pots with soil, pour boiling water over it, and let it sit for 30–60 minutes. Afterward, drain the excess water and allow the soil to dry to a moderate moisture level.
4. **Fire Disinfection** – In open fields, lay dry firewood on the top layer of the soil and ignite it. This not only eliminates pests and pathogens but also enriches the soil with potassium after plowing.
5. **Chemical Treatment** – Several chemical agents are commonly used for soil disinfection:
- **Formaldehyde (Formalin)** – Mix 50 ml of formaldehyde per square meter with 6–12 liters of water, or 40 ml per 0.1 square meter with 1–3 kg of water. Apply this solution to the planting area 10–12 days before sowing, cover with plastic, and leave it sealed. Open it a week before planting to allow the chemical to evaporate. For gravel substrates, soak them in a 50–100 times diluted formaldehyde solution for 2–4 hours, then rinse thoroughly with water.
- **Carbendazim** – Use 40 g of 50% carbendazim powder per cubic meter of soil. Mix well and cover with plastic for 2–3 days.
- **Zelenzin (Dichlofenthion)** – Apply 60 g of 65% zelenzin powder per cubic meter of soil, mix, and cover for 2–3 days. Afterward, remove the cover and let the soil air out until the medicine smell disappears.
- **Black Sorghum (Ferrous Sulfate)** – In rainy conditions, add 2–3% black sorghum to the soil. Use 100–200 grams per square meter or prepare a 2–3% solution at 9 liters per square meter.
- **Chlorothalonil** – Apply 1 gram of 45% chlorothalonil smoke agent per square meter, smoke it for 5 hours, and then ventilate.
- **Phoxim** – If the nursery soil is heavily infested, use 100 grams of 50% phoxim per mu (approximately 667 square meters), mix with 10 kg of bait, and spread it over the seedbed.
- **Trichlorfon (Dipterex)** – In severe cases, apply 500 grams of 90% dipterex crystals mixed with 50 kg of bait and distribute it on the seedbed.
When handling these chemicals, always wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhalation or skin contact. After working, gargle and wash your face with disinfectant or soap to ensure safety. Proper soil disinfection is crucial for healthy plant growth and long-term garden success.
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