(IPPM) in Vegetables - Vegetableipmasia.org

Resource Manual on IPPM in Rice
World Education Philippines, Inc.
Similar studies showed that biological soil sterilization has been effective
against the many soil-borne fungi: Fusarium oxyporum, Rhizoctonia solani
and R. tuliparium, Verticulium dahliae, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and
different nematode species (Meloidogyne and Pratyenchus)
· Boiled Water
Although not scientifically proven the use of boiling water for soil
sterilization may be an option for soil sterilization. A farmer from
Bangladesh used this method. First, he boiled water and poured it one to
three times over the nursery soil to kill pathogen and possibly insects
and/or nematodes in the seedbed. Then, he let the soil drain and cool down
before sowing the seeds.
b. Seeding
Seed should be applied using a hand spreader to disperse the seed uniformly.
The easiest way to apply seed uniformly is to spread the seeds in one
direction. It might take three or more passes in a single direction, but it is well
worth the time to get a uniform seeding.
After the starter fertilizer and seed have been applied, the area should receive a
light raking followed by a light rolling to insure good seed-soil contact. It is
critical to maximize the seed-soil contact for quick germination and
establishment
c. Mulching
Mulch is any substance spread on the ground to protect plant roots from heat,
cold or drought or to keep fruit clean. Mulching the garden shows that a
farmer or gardener really care about the plants.
Mulching the area will prevent erosion and conserve water. Therefore,
mulching is most important when it is impossible to adequately irrigate newly
seeded areas. Apply mulch which will shade seedlings and have to be raked
off later. Apply the mulch very lightly so you can still see approximately 50%
of the soil through the mulch layer.
Mulching is a long established horticultural practice. Farmers know that
shallow cultivation of the soil's surface after a rain slows the rate of water loss
from the soil. The shallow layer of dry surface soil acts as a mulch.
Mulches can be classified as inorganic or organic. Inorganic mulches include
plastic, rocks, rock chips and other non-plant materials; whereas, organic
mulches include straw, compost, sawdust and similar materials. Plastic is the
only inorganic mulch used in vegetable gardens.
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