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permaculture - Re: [permaculture] Verticillum in Soil

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  • From: Marimike6@cs.com
  • To: permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [permaculture] Verticillum in Soil
  • Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2006 13:31:31 EST

<< Has anyone "cleansed" soil of Verticillum fungi? (I am unsure how to
search
archives for this information). >>

Here's a technique I found just by googling "verticillum soil". You can also
spell it "verticillium:

Soil Solarization
Using plastic to solarize the soil is an issue debated by many.
Does it destroy the soil structure? Can it be beneficial? It can be very
useful in weed control and for clearing an area of vegetation without the use
of
herbicides. The beneficial soil organisms can take more heat versus the
harmful
soil pathogens allowing them to make a speedy return after solarizing an
area. The way it works is the plastic concentrates the sun's energy which
into
turn heats the soil to a very high degree, sterilizing it. Thus killing off
soil
dwelling pests, disease and weed seeds.

Depending on your climate solarization has been shown to control Fusarium
and Verticillum wilts, crown gall diseases, possibly nematodes, grassy weeds
and
weed seeds. As for the nematodes; they have the ability to survive higher
soil temperatures. The deeper the heat penetrates the soil the better the
results. With optimum conditions disease and weed control can last up to
three years.

Soil Solarization Technique:
Soil solarization is best done during the heat of the summer. To begin you
want to till the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches. Rake out all debris,
smooth the area so it is as level as you can get it. Proceed to soak the soil
to a
depth of 18 inches. Make a slight depression at the boundary of the bed.
Stretch some clear 4 mil plastic over the bed as tightly as you can, adhering
it
to the soil. Then use rocks, more soil, landscape pins, whatever you have to
secure it snuggly in place.
Next step is easy; let the area cook for at least 4 weeks. In cooler zones
allow a period of 6 to 8 weeks for best results. Remove the plastic. Till the
soil lightly, you are ready to plant.

In more northern climates the addition of manures prior to putting down the
plastic can help to speed the process via increasing the soil temps as the
manure decomposes. This will increase the level of gaseous ammonia in the
soil
giving the solarizing process an extra kick. Maybe enough to control
nematodes!
Another trick is to use two layers of plastic to create more of an insulating
effect. This will trap more heat.
You can also incorporate shredded vegetables from the cruciferous family
(broccoli stems, cabbage trimmings etc.) These vegetables have a known effect
in
ridding the soil of Verticillum and Fusarium blights. Let the trimmings dry
out
in the sun until brittle. Mix them into the top 6 inches of soil, proceed
with the process.

http://www.ghorganics.com/page25.html





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