SECTION 3: Soil Solarization as Integrated Pest Management

Combining measures of pest control is at the heart of IPM, but many practical aspects have to be addressed. First, what is the optimal application sequence for the combination? Second, how can such combinations produce reductions in pesticide use? And last, when does the combination result in an additive effect, and when is the more desirable synergistic effect achieved? These and other issues are discussed in Chapter 10. In Chapters 11–13, the various strategies and means of combining soil solarization with pesticides, organic amendments, or beneficial microorganisms are discussed and many examples given. Integrating this approach with other methods of control has the potential to improve solarization and overcome its limitations. This is also demonstrated in these chapters. Integrating soil solarization into cropping systems is the true test of the IPM concept. Chapter 14 describes case studies of IPM, under real-life conditions. This chapter highlights several areas that impact the integration of soil solarization into commercial agricultural systems and provides some examples of solutions used to overcome the ensuing obstacles.