Solarisation is a soil disinfection method consisting of covering a moistened soil with a thin transparent plastic film, for 4-6 weeks during the part of the year with the highest sun radiation and temperatures. Solarisation increases soil temperature and produces changes in the microbial soil community as well as the chemical and physical properties of the soil. It is a method commonly used in the greenhouses of Southern European countries in summer, with the aim of ‘enhancing’ the health of the soil for the next crop, at the same time reducing the
level of harmful soilborne pests.
Solarisation is applied when the presence of pests in the soil can potentially limit the profitability of the subsequent crop. These pests include fungi, nematodes, bacteria, insects and weeds. Moreover, mono-cropping practice can lead a soil to become fatigued, so solarisation can help to re-establish the health of the soil, and recover the fertility of the soil. The cost of this technique is comparatively high, so economically it is usually only appropriate for intensive crop systems.
Reference: Miguel de Cara García (IFAPA, Spain), Vincent Michel (BIO)SOLARISATION:
PRACTICAL INFORMATION (https://www.best4soil.eu/factsheets)
