Biological methods of greenhouse soil remediation in autumn

Many farms strive to sterilize the soil in greenhouses by drenching it with a potassium permanganate solution at every opportunity. However, it is practically impossible to completely destroy the spores of brown spot or late blight in all structural elements. To guarantee the destruction of spider mite and whitefly populations deep within the soil, huge volumes of chemicals would be required, which would simultaneously destroy all beneficial soil biota. A sensible alternative to chemical sterilization is the activation of the soil's natural self-cleaning capacity.

Biological methods of greenhouse soil sanitation

Healthy soil is capable of cleaning itself through the activity of beneficial microorganisms. The more organic matter and high-quality compost in the soil, the more actively soil fungi and bacteria work to suppress pathogenic infections. Natural crop rotation further reduces the infectious load. Rotated crop groups have different pests and diseases, and they disappear during the alternating cycle. Aromatic herbs, onions, and garlic, which are planted before tomatoes as an intermediate crop, help clear the greenhouse of pests and diseases.

• Number of greenhouses for crop rotation — 3 units
• Timing for deep digging of beds — October-November
• Temperature regime for larvae mortality — consistently cold

To initiate the biological sanitation process, it is necessary to properly prepare the beds for winter. Autumn activities are carried out in a strict sequence. This allows the decomposition processes of organic matter to start before the onset of severe frosts.

1. Evenly distribute organic components over the surface of the beds.
2. Perform deep digging of the soil to a spade's depth without breaking up the clods.
3. Determine the winter temperature regime for the greenhouse depending on its current use.

During autumn tillage, the following organic materials are incorporated into the soil:

• compost;
• manure;
• poultry manure;
• hay with fallen leaves.

The incorporated organic matter partially decomposes over the winter. The secretions of soil fungi destroy harmful microorganisms, and microbial enzymes break down toxic chemical substances such as root exudates of weeds. Deep pre-winter tillage destroys the overwintering sites of pests. During sustained cold weather, egg clutches and larvae, such as those of the seedcorn maggot, are exposed on the surface, fail to re-hide in time, and freeze to death.

It is better to keep an empty greenhouse completely closed for the winter. In a closed state, the structure is less buffeted by the wind, and the absence of snow cover inside leads to deep freezing of the soil. Such intensive freezing serves as an excellent natural method for disinfecting the beds.