What Is a Soil Fungicide?
A soil fungicide is a chemical agent used to eradicate harmful pathogens and bacteria in the soil. These fungicides have been essential in agriculture, but their chemical nature requires careful handling to avoid harm to humans and the environment. The correct application and dosage are crucial to minimizing soil damage and residual chemical effects.
Uses of Soil Fungicides
Soil fungicides are used to prevent crop failure, reduce soil diseases, and control pests. They are particularly useful in managing consecutive cropping issues and in situations like post-flooding where pathogens are likely to proliferate.
Characteristics of Soil Fungicides
Pros
Soil fungicides provide quick and accurate control of soil pathogens when compared to natural methods like sunlight sterilization or insecticidal plants. They can be a vital tool in managing soil health and ensuring healthy crop growth.
Cons
Their chemical nature poses risks if misused, potentially harming the soil, crops, and human health. Additionally, they can be more expensive than other sterilization methods.
Types of Soil Fungicides
Various soil fungicides are available, each suited to specific pathogens, seasons, and field conditions. The effectiveness of a fungicide often depends on its active ingredient.
1. Chloropicrin
Chloropicrin is effective against a broad spectrum of fungi, bacteria, pests, and weeds. It is usually applied by soil injection and requires covering to prevent vaporization. Its effectiveness decreases at lower soil temperatures.
2. DD
DD is mainly effective against insect pests and should be applied similarly to chloropicrin.
3. Chloropicrin + DD (Mixture)
Combining chloropicrin and DD harnesses the advantages of both, providing a broad-spectrum effect. This mixture is particularly effective against centipedes and is easier to handle due to its less irritating odor.
4. Dazomet
Dazomet is effective against fungi, bacteria, and weeds, with less efficacy against pests. After mixing, it requires covering or watering to control gas production. Proper soil temperature maintenance is crucial. It’s easily applied by hand or sprayer.
5. Carbam Sodium Salt
This fungicide is effective against fungi, bacteria, and weeds, and is applied as a liquid spray, making it easier to handle than soil-injected types.
6. Mitc + DD (Mixture)
A mixture of methyl isothiocyanate oil and DD, this fungicide offers broad-spectrum control and is relatively easy to handle, applied mainly by soil injection.
How to Use Soil Fungicides
The effective use of soil fungicides involves removing damaged residue, cleaning equipment to prevent contamination, and following specific treatment methods for each chemical type. Observing fumigation and degassing periods is crucial for safety and effectiveness. Spreader and other specialized machines can make the application process more efficient.