← Elaine Ingham · Research and publications
Restoring fumigated soil calls for a plan
A California strawberry trial documented the difficulties of moving from chemical fumigation to organic amendments.
Study published:
What was compared
A commercial strawberry planting received broccoli residues, spent mushroom compost or their combination. These were compared with chemical treatments and an untreated control in previously fumigated soil. [1]
The trial outcome
Organic amendments produced yields statistically similar to the untreated control. Hand weeding cost more. The authors linked the outcome to the need for more extensive rebuilding of soil biological functioning. [1]
Transition as a process
A field’s history determines its starting point. Restoration takes time, suitable planting material and pathogen monitoring so that interventions can follow the crop’s progress.
A useful planning lesson
The work helps frame realistic transition trials. Small comparison plots and records of costs, root health and production allow farmers to assess their choices before expanding them.
Sources and references
- Sances, F.V. & Ingham, E.R. (1997). Conventional and Organic Alternatives To Methyl Bromide on California Strawberries. Compost Science & Utilization, 5(2), 23–37. DOI: 10.1080/1065657X.1997.10701871 Original publication and study record