Soil parameter effects on steamdisinfestation efficiency

Steam soil disinfestation is now reconsidered by many growers for its efficacy in soil borne pathogens, nematodes and weed seeds control, ensuring a low ecological impact. At present time, some disinfestation machines and tractor implements, which supply steam to the soil using different distribution systems and devices, are commercially available. Soil conditions play an important role and can significantly influence the efficacy of the treatment, changing thermal properties of soil and influencing steam diffusion. These factors, in fact, influence the thermal properties of soil and the steam diffusion. Moreover, the effect of soil properties on the treatment performances depends on the specific supplying method that has been used. Aim of this is paper is to investigate the dependence of the efficacy of steam disinfestation processes on some soil properties, namely texture and moisture content, when using three different techniques: iron plate, sheet steaming and under-surface injection.