What is Soil Sterilization?

Soil sterilization is a farming technique that sterilizes the soil using chemical or physical means. Sterilization helps in suppression of weed and helps in killing fungi , nematodes and bacteria present in the soil. Chemical means include use of herbicides and fumigants and physical method include use of steam and solar energy. Soil sterilization is used in greenhouse operations, open field and the production of high-value or specialty crops. The use of sterilized soil produces healthier plants, saves time and money, and can benefit the environment.