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University Tests Hot Steam as Alternative to Farm Fumigants
Researchers say the hot-steam method heats soil to 70 C for 20 minutes and could help farmers reduce chemical use.
- Researchers in Santa Cruz are testing steam soil treatment at organic berry farms across the Pajaro Valley to provide an alternative to traditional pesticides and fumigants for farms near schools and neighborhoods.
- Soil fumigation has been the standard since 1950, but this machine targets pests, weeds, and pathogens using only heat, reaching about 70 Celsius for about 20 minutes.
- Kathleen Kilpatrick of the Santa Cruz County Safe Ag Safe Schools group said the valley has the "most concentrated use of fumigants in the state" and hopes projects provide "tools for pesticide reduction."
- Researchers say the treatment could help control soil-borne pathogens and extend the growing season, while they continue monitoring fields to assess the treatment's long-term effectiveness.
- Lead engineer Ryan Benson described the process as treating the ground "only by heat," while farm advisor Mark Boulda called the testing a "look over the fence" to determine if the method works.
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Leaning Left0Leaning Right0Center27Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Center
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C 100%
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