Optimization of metam sodium application by rotary spading injection

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Soil Science
• Pest Management

Background:

• Metam-sodium (MS) is the primary chemical alternative to methyl bromide in The Netherlands.
• Legislation restricts MS application to once every five years due to its application method.
• Previous application methods showed variable efficacy, particularly in the topsoil layer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of different metam-sodium (MS) dosages and application depths against Meloidogyne fallax.
• To determine the optimal combination of MS dosage, injection depth, and rotovation depth for effective soil disinfestation.
• To assess the impact of MS application on carrot yield quantity and quality.

Main Methods:

• Field experiment comparing 300 l/ha and 600 l/ha of Monam (MS) at 14 cm injection depth.
• Comparison of 600 l/ha Monam injected at 20 cm depth, rotovated through 40 cm.
• Assessment of Meloidogyne fallax population reduction and carrot yield (quantity and quality) three weeks post-application and after harvest.

Main Results:

• Both 600 l/ha Monam applications achieved 99% reduction in nematodes in the furrow and 96% at 30-50 cm depth.
• 300 l/ha Monam showed significantly lower efficacy compared to 600 l/ha.
• Gross and net carrot yields were significantly higher with 600 l/ha Monam, with a higher percentage of symptom-free carrots.

Conclusions:

• Higher dosages (600 l/ha) of metam-sodium with rotary spading injection are more effective against Meloidogyne fallax than lower dosages.
• Optimized application depth and dosage significantly improve soil disinfestation and subsequent crop yield.
• Metam-sodium application, particularly at higher rates, can enhance agricultural productivity by reducing nematode damage.