Definition and role in the reduction of phytosanitary products : solarization is a thermal soil disinfection technique using solar energy. It consists of raising the temperature of the soil using a transparent plastic film laid on moistened soil for a long enough period (6 to 8 weeks) to destroy certain pathogenic fungi and bacteria and certain pests present in the soil, as well as than weed seeds.
Against which pests? Against some telluric fungi ( Olpidium , Sclerotinia , Rhizoctonia and Pythium on lettuce; Fusarium solani on zucchini; Sclerotium on yam), against the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum on solanaceae. And also against weeds (except those with vegetative propagation) and in some cases, against nematodes in market gardening.
On which crops? In open field market gardening and in greenhouses.
When ? Between 30 and 60 days before sowing or planting the crop. It is advisable to carry out a solarization every 2-3 years in maintenance and at least two consecutive years if the soil is very contaminated.
In what conditions ? Solarization is a technique that is well suited to the sunshine in the overseas departments. Beware, however, of very rainy periods which can lengthen the duration of the treatment. The soil prepared as for sowing must be very moist, even at depth (field capacity) because the water acts as a thermal conductor. During installation, it is imperative to have at least 3 consecutive days of bright sunshine for a rapid rise in temperature. The plastic film must remain in place for a minimum duration of sunshine of 250 hours. The effective depth of this treatment is 30 to 40 cm depending on the clay content and the types of pests.
Regulations : out-of-use plastic films must be taken to a sorting center (clean plastics) or to a technical landfill center (dirty plastics) if these exist. In any case, it is strictly forbidden to bury or burn the plastic films.
Working time : increase to be expected for watering, installation and removal of plastics: approximately 5 hours/100 m².
Compatibility of alternative techniques with each other :
Crops
