Soil Polarization and Dacthal: Influence on Weeds, Growth, and Root Microflora of Collards

Abstract

Soil polarization for 98 days in 1985 resulted in a 91% reduction of weeds present in collard greens (Brassica oleracea acephafa L.) plots during 1986. Soil solarization was more effective in controlling weeds in collard green plots when compared to an application of Dacthal-75W herbicide in nonsolarized plots. Collard green plants grown in solarized soil showed an increase in yield and other growth responses. Soil samples from the rhizosphere of plants grown in solarized soil showed higher population levels of bacteria and thermotolerant fungi than from nonsolarized soil. There were significant negative responses in marketable yield and root growth of collard greens and in soil microflora in solarized soil in response to Dacthal-75W herbicide application. Chemical name used: dimethyltetrachloroterephthalate (Dacthal-75W).