Soil health is a major problem in cropping rotations which decreases profitability and sustainability.

This particular side was fluctuating, with Pink Root, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Verticillium wilts, Sclerotinia, Pythium, and Parasitic Nematodes all being detected in the SARDI soil DNA tests, having a profound impact on the produce harvested on farms. TriCal Strike 60 was used specifically to control fungal pathogens and was applied using prescription equipment 14 days prior to planting the cover crop.

Soil Fumigation – Onions, Keith, South Australia.

Soil Fumigation – Onions, Keith, South Australia.

The soil’s biology was stimulated as a result of soil fumigation with the levels of Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Pink Root being suppressed below economic damage thresholds.

Yields of Brown, White and Red onions were increased to levels over 100 mt/ha. The incidents of stem and basal rots were decreased dramatically with pack-out losses significantly reduced with the grower being very happy with the economic outcome.

Soil fumigation reduces inputs such as fertiliser, water, and fungicides which meant greater returns and profitability.