Soil Treatment to Control Plant Diseases
Soil treatment is an essential part of the process of producing healthy plants. The aim is to control soil-borne fungal diseases and in addition nematodes and weeds. Heating soil with a steam-air mixture is the most effective method of treatment. It is also fast and safe. By mixing varying amounts of steam and air, a range of temperatures may be obtained. If the soil is treated at temperatures between 140-160 degrees F (60-70 degrees C) and maintained for 30 minutes, pathogens will be controlled but beneficial organisms, some of which may be antagonistic to pathogenic fungi, will not be killed. The soil may be planted immediately it is cooled.

Penetration and effectiveness are easily measured by taking thermometer readings during the process. Toxic effects are minimal. Steam-air mixtures can be used safely near humans and plants. Plastic containers are not damaged when treated at temperatures of 110-120 degrees F (40-50 degrees C). The soil must be in good tilth, moist but not wet, to ensure even and rapid penetration of the steam-air mixture. Careful control of the fertilizer content of the soil mix is necessary. Steaming without the addition of air may result in the development of toxic quantities of ammonium or water soluble manganese. Toxicity may also be reduced by using a soil mix of low organic content and by adding only inorganic fertilizers to the soil mix. Soil once treated should not be allowed to come into contact with untreated benches, soil or equipment.

Treatment Trolley "A" Steam Aerator and 20 kW generator for sterilization of batch capacity of 1/2 m cubic.

For Batch Capacity of 1/2m cubic.
Requires:Steam Generator: 20kW   Aerator: 4B
Treatment Trolley: A or B

For Batch Capacity of 1m cubic
Requires:Steam Generator: 30kW
Steam Aerator: 4B
Treatment Trolley: B