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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Parlier, California » San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center » Water Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #262652
Title: Minimize Emissions and Improve Efficacy of Soil Fumigations with Tarping of TIF

Author
item Gao, Suduan
item HANSEN, BRADLEY - University Of California
item CABRERA, ALFONSO - University Of California
item QIN, RUIJUN - University Of California
item Gerik, James
item Wang, Dong
item Browne, Greg

Submitted to: Almond Industry Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2011
Publication Date: 12/8/2011
Citation: Gao, S., Hansen, B.D., Cabrera, A., Qin, R., Gerik, J.S., Wang, D., Browne, G.T. 2011. Minimize Emissions and Improve Efficacy of Soil Fumigations with Tarping of TIF. Almond Industry Conference Proceedings. p. 66.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Soil fumigants continue to play a critical role in soil pest management in almonds. However, due to concerns about exposure risks and VOC air emissions, the use of soil fumigants is being limited by environmental regulations. Management strategies that minimize emissions and improve pest control are the most desirable for maintaining fumigant availability to agriculture. Sealing the soil surface with a low permeability film such as totally impermeable film (TIF) has this potential. The primary focus of the project is to assess whether the TIF tarps do provide more even distributions of fumigants in soil than standard polyethylene films or without tarp and whether lower application rates of fumigants can still be effective on pest control. The specific objectives are to: 1) demonstrate the potential of TIF to improve soil fumigant distribution in soils; 2) determine the potential of using reduced fumigant application rates to achieve good efficacy under the TIF tarp; and 3) determine fumigant persistence under the TIF tarp over time from different application rates and evaluate the waiting period between application and tarp-cutting to minimize potential exposure risks to workers and by-standers. Small plot experiments in the field have been initiated using TIF tarp for broadcast application of Telone C35 at different application rates. The concentrations of the fumigants under the tarp and at different soil depths were all monitored. The efficacy assayed by placing nylon mesh bags with plant parasitic nematodes and soil borne pathogens at different soil depths was evaluated. Naturally occurring plant parasitic nematodes and native weed recovery have also been investigated.