ARS | Publication request: Management strategies to reduce environmental impact from soil fumigation

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 2, 2010
Publication Date: July 4, 2010
Citation: Wang. D. 2010. Management strategies to reduce environmental impact from soil fumigation. In: Abstracts, International Congress on Soil Disinfection Technologies, July 04 - 07, 2010, Beijing, China

Technical Abstract: Soil fumigation is an important agronomic practice for controlling soil-borne plant pests. However, all fumigant chemicals have relatively high vapor pressure values and are prone to emission losses to the ambient atmosphere. This poses significant safety and human health concerns for farmers and bystanders. The potential emission losses may also lead to significant environment impact, especially on air quality. This presentation will discuss mechanisms of potential human exposure and safety risks with fumigants, processes of fumigant movement and dispersion, and methods of reducing the environmental impact of soil fumigation. Different mode of exposure and entry into human body will be reviewed. Examples will be provided to illustrate soil and management factors that can be used to minimize the environmental footprint of fumigant use. The techniques and principles of emission reduction will be outlined. Recommendations will be made on reducing potential human and environment risks associated with soil fumigation.