Soil steam sterilization

Soil steam sterilization (soil steaming) is a farming technique that sterilizes soil with steam in open fields or greenhouses. Pests of plant cultures such as weeds, bacteria, fungi and viruses are killed through induced hot steam which causes vital cellular proteins to unfold. Biologically, the method is considered a partial disinfection. Important heat-resistant, spore-forming bacteria can survive and revitalize the soil after cooling down. Soil fatigue can be cured through the release of nutritive substances blocked within the soil. Steaming leads to a better starting position, quicker growth and strengthened resistance against plant disease and pests. Today, the application of hot steam is considered the best and most effective way to disinfect sick soil, potting soil and compost. It is being used as an alternative to bromomethane, whose production and use was curtailed by the Montreal Protocol. "Steam effectively kills pathogens by heating the soil to levels that cause protein coagulation or enzyme inactivation." Soil sterilization provides secure and quick relief of soils from substances and organisms harmful to plants such as: Bacteria Viruses Fungi Nematodes Other pests Further positive effects are: All weeds and weed seeds are killed Significant increase of crop yields Relief from soil fatigue through activation of chemical – biological reactions Blocked nutritive substances in the soil are tapped and made available for plants Alternative to methyl bromide and other critical chemicals in agriculture Through modern steaming methods with superheated steam at 180–200 °C, an optimal soil disinfection can be achieved. Soil only absorbs a small amount of humidity. Micro organisms become active once the soil has cooled down. This creates an optimal environment for instant tillage with seedlings and seeds. Additionally the method of integrated steaming can promote a target-oriented resettlement of steamed soil with beneficial organisms.