Steve,
You bring up a very good point though! That is
plastic mulch can be used for sterilizing your soil. This can be a
beneficial tool if one is trying to irradicate a soil born disease. I know
for example this is what Pete Glasier used when he lost his entire patch two
years ago. The problem was diagnosed as Southern Blight. One of the
recommendations for solving the problem was to sterilize the soil by using
clear plastic mulch! By super heating the soil you hopefully sterilize
it. However I do not believe (having never had to do this) that the method
will work on all soil born diseases. Perhaps some others in the group have
more information and experience with this method?
Chris
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Chris
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In Southern California where the sun is strong it is not
recommended to use clear plastic mulch as it will heat the top two inches of
soil to the point of sterilization. Some experts recommend to put
clear plastic down for two weeks to sterilize the soil of all weed
seeds. Black plastic mulch does not seem to heat the soil to the same
degree. I use it more to conserve moisture than for heat but it works
well for me.
Steve
Beverly Hills, CA
