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Soil Solarization: A Novel Technique for Improving Input use Efficiency in Agriculture


Dr. S. Anandha Krishnaveni, Dr. V. Hariharasudhan, Dr. G. Parthasarathi
Pages: 119-132
ISBN: 978-93-5834-213-0


Current Innovations in Agronomy (Volume -3)

Current Innovations in Agronomy
(Volume - 3)

Abstract

Weeds become one of the major problems in sustainable agriculture. Weed control by mechanical and cultural means have some limitations as they are laborious, time consuming and expensive. Besides, these methods are employed only after the crop attained certain stage of growth and competitive with nutrients, moisture and space. Soil solarization, being a integrated system, aims mainly for weed management. Soil Solarization is a Utilization of solar energy for the desiccation of weeds. Soil Solarization could be a useful non-chemical technique for controlling weeds, nematodes, and a number of other soil-borne diseases. This hydrothermal process occurs in moist soil which is roofed by a transparent sheet for 4-6 weeks and exposed to sunlight. In this method, the soil temperature is further raised by 5-10 ºC by covering a pre-soaked fallow field with thin transparent plastic sheet. The plastic sheet checks the long wave back radiation from the soil and prevents loss of energy by hindering moisture evaporation. Solarization has been shown to be handiest in regions that are cloudless and have weather condition. Solarization was found to be a cheap and low-risk management practice for little farmers and has the potential to extend crop yield. Efficacy of soil solarization for weed control within the field is increased by providing irrigation a minimum of 2-3 week before solarization, letting the weeds grow, and incorporating them in soil before establishing the solarization treatment. Soil solarization, a preventive measure could be an efficient and non-hazardous option. Soil solarisation is a broad-spectrum control method, simple, economically feasible and environmentally friendly.

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© Integrated Publications.
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