Solarizing involves laying clear polyethylene sheeting over moist, tilled soil during the hottest weeks of the summer. The plastic traps solar radiation, raising the topsoil temperature high enough to destroy weed seeds, nematodes, and soil-borne diseases. It is a non-chemical method heavily used in organic farming and intensive horticulture to prepare beds for the next planting cycle.
We'll solarize the high tunnel beds in July to knock back the nematode population before the fall tomato crop goes in.
Clear plastic works much better than black plastic for solarization because it allows radiant energy to pass through and trap heat, whereas black plastic absorbs the heat itself.
Also heard as
- soil solarization
Related terms
Plasticulture
The practice of using plastic materials in agricultural applications to improve crop yields.
Organic farming
An agricultural system that relies on ecological processes and natural inputs rather than synthetic chemicals.
Under glass
Plants grown in a controlled, enclosed environment like a greenhouse.