Evaluating Biosolarization as an IPM Tactic in Vegetable Production
Applied Research
Dwayne Joseph
Agriculture Educator
University of Maryland
Chestertown
Abstract
Biosolarization is a soil disinfection technique similar to solarization, with the added step of incorporating organic amendments into the soil prior to the passive solar heating process. Studies have demonstrated its ability to enhance weed seed mortality and reduce soil pathogens. Moreover, biosolarization is well-suited for organic farming and can be utilized in climates where the long process of solarization may be impractical. Fruit processing by-products (pomace) emerge as promising soil amendments for biosolarization due to their richness in organic compounds, lack of biohazard risks, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, the biosolarization potential of a mixture of apple and grape pomace combined with a between-row living mulch was investigated as an integrated pest management (IPM) technique. Our objectives were to develop a novel practice that vegetable growers can utilize to manage multiple crop pests, including weeds. The study was performed at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Upper Marlboro, MD in organically managed eggplant. The study included four replicated treatments comprising of eggplant: 1) grown in living mulch + no-till (LM-NT), 2) interplanted with cover crops (LM), 3) grown in solarized soil (Sol), or 4) interplanted with a cover crop and grown in biosolarized soil (Biosol). The results indicated that Biosol plots had the lowest mean number of broadleaf weeds at all rating times. Broadleaf weeds were greatest in LM plots throughout the study. Sedge weeds were significantly greater in Biosol and Sol plots compared to LM and LM-NT plots at all rating times. There were significantly more grass weeds in LM plots than LM-NT, Biosol and Sol plots at 2 and 4 WAP. However, at 6 and 9 WAP, Sol plots contained significantly more grass weeds than the other treatments. Eggplant yield was greatest in LM followed by LM-NT, Biosol then Sol plots. The findings tentatively suggest that biosolarization effectively controlled broadleaf weeds, although sedge control was minimal. Furthermore, biosolarization may be a potentially effective IPM tactic in vegetable production. However, more research is needed to validate these promising results.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Dwayne Joseph , Alan Leslie, Kurt Vollmer, Cerruti Hooks
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Joseph , D. Agriculture Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21620
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Leslie, A. Center Director, University of Maryland, Maryland, 20742
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Vollmer, K. Extension Weed Specialist, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21658
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Hooks, C. Professor, University of Maryland, Maryland, 20742