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Steam sterilization being studied in vegetables

The floricultural industry’s methods to reduce weeds, pests, and diseases are being studied for application in food production.

Weed extension specialist Steve Fennimore at the University of California-Davis tells Brownfield since the 1880s, banding steam has been used by floral growers in Germany and it could have wide applications.

“You inject steam into the soil and you heat the soil to about 150-158 degrees Fahrenheit,” he says.

He’s currently working with an engineer at the University of Arizona to create technology that sterilizes soil in three-inch rows ahead of planting.

“Once you get the soil hot, it stays warm and you kill the pathogens and the weed seeds,” he says. 

Fennimore says the machine costs about $300 per acre which is in line with hand weeding expenses in specialty crops and is more cost-effective than some emerging devices.