Chloropicrin Soil Fumigation in Potato Production Systems

Dr. Chad Hutchinson Director of Research at TriEst Ag Group, Inc. Exposition in Potato Expo 2018 
(Courtesy: Plant Management Network)

Dr. Chad Hutchinson Director of Research at TriEst Ag Group, Inc. Exposition in Potato Expo 2018
(Courtesy: Plant Management Network)

Abril 30, 2019

In his presentation at the 2018 Potato Expo, Dr. Chad Hutchinson discusses the benefits of using Chloropicrin in potato production. He begins by reviewing the history of Chloropicrin, which has been used safely as a preplant soil treatment for more than 60 years.

Chloropicrin suppresses soilborne pathogenic fungi, as well as some nematodes and insects. Hutchinson also reviews soil fumigation technology for potatoes, describing and illustrating the application rig and its operation.

(Click picture to watch the video) Chloropicrin Soil Fumigation in Potato Production Systems / Potato Expo 2018

Chloropicrin Soil Fumigation in Potato Production Systems / Potato Expo 2018

In discussing the environmental impact of Chloropicrin, Hutchinson identifies several key benefits: Chloropicrin degrades rapidly in the soil, leaving no residues; it does not sterilize the soil; it does not deplete the ozone layer; and it has never been found in groundwater.

Additional benefits associated with the use of Chloropicrin are that it promotes soil health and increases beneficial organisms. In sum, the use of Chloropicrin not only increases production efficiency and profit potential for potato growers, but it also improves soil health.

Hutchinson describes soil health as “the foundation of a positive crop production system.”