By Blake Jackson
Penn State researchers are making strides in organic farming by exploring anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) as a sustainable alternative to chemical fumigants.
This innovative technique involves creating oxygen-free conditions in the soil to suppress harmful microorganisms while promoting beneficial ones.
The process begins with planting cover crops like triticale and crimson clover, which provide essential nutrients and sugars for the soil microbiome.
These crops are then incorporated into the soil along with wheat middlings and covered with black plastic for at least three weeks. This anaerobic environment encourages the growth of beneficial microorganisms that produce compounds harmful to plant pathogens.
Francesco Di Gioia, associate professor, and graduate student Joe Ono-Raphel have been testing this method on Red Juice tomatoes for two seasons. Despite delayed planting due to rain, they are optimistic about the results.
"Essentially we are steering the microorganisms that are already in the soil to do something we want them to do," Di Gioia explained. "The benefits of the cover crops are many."
By replacing chemical fumigants with a biological approach, researchers hope to contribute to healthier soils and more sustainable organic vegetable production.
Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Education