Sustainable alternatives for chemical soil disinfestation (ALTCHEM)

In the last several years, problems with soil-borne pathogens have been increasing. These soil-borne pathogens have become more difficult to control, either because common chemical soil disinfectants are no longer allowed or their dosages have been restricted. To maintain the profitability of certain crops, alternative control methods are urgently needed.

The LA-project ‘Sustainable alternatives for chemical soil disinfection (ALTCHEM)’ that started in June 2020, is a collaboration between the research stations Inagro (project coordinator), Proefstation voor de Groenteteelt (PSKW), Provinciaal Proefcentrum voor de Groenteteelt  (PCG), het Praktijkpunt Landbouw Vlaams-Brabant, and ILVO.

Within this project we investigate the possibility of using several non-chemical soil disinfection methods: steaming, anaerobic soil disinfection, solarization, biofumigation and microwaving. The use of micro-organisms will also be included, possibly in combination with some of these methods.

To evaluate and optimize these methods we perform tests with the pathogens Rhizoctonia (bottom rot disease) in lettuce, Pythium (yellowing disease) in lamb's lettuce and Sclerotinia in chicory.

In addition, we will also try to reduce the (environmental/climate) impact of some soil disinfection methods. For example, we will try to reduce the energy use during steaming or we will use crop residues or more sustainable energy sources to generate steam. Sustainability also includes the reduction of the number of soil disinfection treatments needed. Therefore, we will look if we can increase the disease suppressiveness of the soil by incorporating micro-organisms.

This project investigates alternative methods for chemical soil disinfection by using physical and/or microbiological techniques. The main goals are as follows: to achieve good control of soilborne pathogens, sustainability, and economical and practical feasibility for the growers.