Progress 06/20/08 to 06/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Optimize efficacy and reduce application rates of alternative soil fumigants used for the regeneration of sod production fields to new turf cultivars. Approach (from AD-416) Improving the effectiveness of alternative soil fumigants while simultaneously minimizing their environmental impacts can be accomplished by using increased soil exposure times to compensate for reduced soil fumigant concentrations. This study will demonstrate that improvements to solid tarp (broadcast) application methods will increase the retention of alternative fumigants in soil and their subsequent control of plant parasitic nematodes, soilborne diseases, weeds and off-type cultivars during the regeneration of sold production fields. The combined use of a seal at the soil surface, a low disturbance flat ground fumigant applicator and a virtually impermeable film (VIF) will be compared to the traditional full-tarp application method consisting of soil cultivation, swept back shanks and low density polyethylene film. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations The overall goals of the program will be to establish and implement an areawide pest management research and action program for methyl bromide (MB) alternatives which (a) results from a stakeholder partnership and collaboration dedicated to the demonstration and areawide adoption of methyl bromide alternative technologies; (b) demonstrates the positive impacts and advantages of such a program through enhanced grower profits, reduced worker risks, an enhanced environment, and a proven superiority of wide area adoption; and (c) achieves a mature methyl bromide alternatives system so end-users, consultants and other interested parties will be left with an operation program that will meet the overall goals through its wide-scale adoption. The objective of this cooperative research project is to Improve IPM strategies and fumigant emissions reduction technologies in support of alternatives to methyl bromide. Solid-tarp (broadcast) fumigant applications were conducted using various combinations of soil preparation techniques, application equipment and covering tarps. Creating a compaction layer on the soil surface prior to application using a weighted roller, use of a low disturbance fumigant application equipment and a a virtually impermeable film (VIF) significantly improved retention of soil fumigants in the soil thus lowering atmospheric emissions. Fumigant retention in soil was further improved by combining the various procedures and films. At 15 days after application, only the VIF film significantly improved fumigant retention in soil. This research positively impacts the regulatory restrictions and environmental disruptions incurred by soil fumigation. Progress was monnitored through continuous interactions in the form of meetings, site visits, and phone calls.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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