By Brandon Hopper
Before farmers can plant a crop, they have to make sure the soil is ready. Ensuring a strong yield often means conducting soil fumigation to mitigate pathogens and weeds. Josué Alarcón Mendoza, a graduate student researcher in horticulture at NC State University, wants to refine the application process for soil fumigation to help growers reduce costs while still effectively managing soil health.
Working under the direction of Emmanuel Torres, assistant professor of horticultural science, Alarcón Mendoza has focused his innovative research on alternative application methods centered around precision horticulture. He has compared traditional shank fumigation with drip irrigation fumigation in tomato and strawberry production.
His goal is to make soil fumigation more accessible and affordable for small and medium-sized fruit growers.
Technology Drives Precision Horticulture
Precision horticulture is a farming management approach that uses technology and data to optimize crop production and resource use, while managing soil and environmental variability. It involves tools like sensors, GPS systems, drones and data analytics to help farmers make more informed decisions about soil management, irrigation and pest control, among others. For small and medium growers, precision horticulture can help reduce costs and increase efficiency while maintaining or improving crop yields.
“Soil fumigation has traditionally been applied as a broadcast practice using shank equipment, where large knives inject fumigants into the soil as they move through the field,” Alarcón Mendoza says. “Under standard conditions, this has been the preferred fumigation method. However, this approach can create significant challenges for small to medium-scale farmers, as many do not have access to the specialized equipment or custom application services required to fumigate fields properly and safely. Drip tape fumigation provides a more cost-effective and accessible solution for small to medium growers while maintaining effectiveness in managing pathogens and weeds.”
Source : ncsu.edu