Guide to Solar-Powered Soil Treatment for Vegetables and High-Value Crops: Best Eco-friendly Method

Harnessing the power of solar energy for soil treatment offers numerous benefits for fields. This eco-friendly method utilizes covering moist soil with plastic sheets that trap solar energy thereby generating more heat and suppressing unwanted weeds. By eliminating the need for fossil fuel-based energy sources, solar-powered treatment enhances the overall environmental impact of agricultural fields.

What is Solar Power Treatment in Soil/Soil Solarization?

This is a natural technique that manages to eliminate soil-borne pests and suppress unwanted weeds. It mainly involves covering moist soil with a clear plastic sheet during the hot summer months. The solar radiation trapped under the plastic raises the soil temperature thereby effectively sterilizing the top layers and killing off unwanted organisms.

This eco-friendly method helps improve soil health and reduces the need for chemical interventions in gardening and agriculture. A very effective method to enhance profitability and productivity.

Also Read:- Explainer: How Plants Help in Preventing Soil Erosion?

How Solar Power Treatment Works in Soil?

• Plastic sheets are used. Large plastic films are utilized to cover the soil.

• To prevent plastic sheets from washing or blowing off, therefore heavy bricks or heavy-weighed materials are used.

• The plastic sheets are kept for a period of 4 to 6 weeks until the soil has achieved a temperature ranging from 46 to 48 Degrees Celsius.

• After 4 to 6 weeks the plastic film is removed for further planting.

Best Crops Suitable for Solar Power Treatment in High-Value crops and Vegetables

This treatment can be used to control and suppress weeds in certain vegetables and high-value crops. Below is the curated list of these crops:-

• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Garlic
• Lettuce
• Melons
• Cucumbers
• Beans
• Peppers
• Spinach
• Strawberries

Also Read:- Challenges of Using Solar Power on Farms: Easy Steps to Successfully Harness Solar Power

Benefits of Soil Power Treatment in Vegetables and High-Value Crops

Here are the following benefits of solar-powered treatment in vegetable and High-value crops:-

Weed Control: Soil power treatments including organic mulching effectively suppresses weed growth and reduce competition for resources thereby minimizing the need for herbicides.

Disease Management: Soil power treatments can help mitigate soil-borne diseases by creating unfavorable conditions for pathogens. This technique increases the temperature which kills unwanted weeds and pathogens thereby promoting healthier crop growth.

Pest Management: Certain natural soil power treatments or companion planting can deter pests, reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides.

Soil Health Improvement: These treatments foster beneficial soil organisms, enhance soil structure, and increase organic matter content, promoting overall soil health and long-term sustainability.

Improved Crop Quality: By optimizing soil conditions, natural soil power treatments can lead to higher-quality vegetables and high-value crops, including improved flavor, texture, and nutritional content.

Cost Reduction: Implementing soil power treatments can reduce input costs associated with synthetic chemicals. They easily contribute to economic viability for farmers.

Also Read:- Organic Mulching- Know About Its Types And Benefits