Heat Treatments to Control Soil-Borne Pests 4/1/18, 3(03 AM

HOME | HEAT TREATMENTS TO CONTROL SOIL-BORNE PESTS

Heat Treatments to Control Soil-Borne Pests

The objective of heat treatment of soil is to reduce the numbers of
weeds, insects, and disease-causing organisms in the soil.
ARTICLES

This promotes plant

vigor, increases yield
and quality, and
decreases the need to
use pesticides later in
the production cycle.
Soil treatments
complement good
disease control but do
not replace the use of
disease-free seed,
cuttings, and
transplants nor lessen
the need for proper sanitation practices. Equipment is available to generate steam
or aerated steam in the field or steam generating facilities used to heat
greenhouses or other structures can be modified to treat soil brought near the
facility.

Timing
The best time to treat is in the fall while soil temperatures are above 55F (13C) at
a 6 inch (15.2 cm) depth and soil moisture is 50-85% of field capacity. Wet soil

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Heat Treatments to Control Soil-Borne Pests 4/1/18, 3(03 AM

reduces the effectiveness of treatment because heat does not penetrate well. On
the other hand, pests in dry, cold soil are usually in a resting state very resistance
to treatment.

General Procedure In Plant Beds

In the fall, disk or rototill the soil and allow some time for the organic debris to
rot, usually at least 7-10 days. Soil moisture should be 50-85% of field capacity
and soil temperature above 55°F (13°C) at a 6 inch depth (15.2 cm). Either inject
the steam directly into the soil or cover the area with a canvas tarp and pipe the
steam under the tarp.

General Procedures For Potting Soil

Soil should be on a surface that will allow the soil to be moved without
recontaminating it with untreated soil (on a wooden, metal, asphalt or concrete
surface or plastic tarp). The layer of soil must be no deeper than 6 inches (15.2
cm) at any point. Cover the pile with a canvas tarp and pipe the steam under the
tarp.

Monitoring The Temperature

Place a thermometer near the edge of the area or pile to be treated and another
in an area away from the edge but close enough to be able to be read as the
heating continues. Once the desired temperature is reached on the edge (where
heat will be lost quickest) and within the area treated, THEN begin timing the
treatment.

Recontamination
Pests inadvertently added to treated soil have no competition and may cause
more damage than they normally could in untreated soil. Disinfest all tools, flats,
and equipment that will be used to handle the treated soil. Do not walk or drive

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Heat Treatments to Control Soil-Borne Pests 4/1/18, 3(03 AM

on treated soil.

Soil Treatments

Method Comments

Steam Heat to 180-200°F for 30 min.

Aerated steam Heat all soil to 165°F for 30 min.

Dry heat Heat all soil to 180-200°F for 30 min.

© 2017 Penn State Extension

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