10 Questions on Soil Sterilization

Soil-borne pathogens (Rhizoctonia, southern blight, Sclerotinia, Phytophthora, Fusarium wilt, bacterial wilt) and nematodes build up under continuous cropping. Chemicals control them poorly and leave residues, and methyl bromide is being phased out. Steam treats pathogens, soil pests and weed seeds together.

After harvest and before the next crop. Loosen the soil and remove residues and weeds first. Planting can start the next day, once the soil has cooled.

High-value crops, organic farms and growing-media recycling. TMM references include lilies, lisianthus and orchids; tomatoes, peppers, bok choy, cucumbers, celery and potatoes; melons, strawberries and papaya.

No. Prepare the soil, lay the pipes, cover with a heat-resistant sheet, connect the machine and steam, hold the temperature, then remove the cover. The boiler runs automatically; air-lift pipe frames move in about 5 minutes.

No. Steam works by heat alone. No chemicals are added and no residues are left.

Yes, it works: in lily trials, disease incidence fell from 46.3% to 5.7%, better than methyl bromide. At 60–80 °C, beneficial heat-tolerant microbes survive. Avoid long exposure at 100 °C, which can alter manganese and nitrogen and harm crops.

With the Model 1500 in a greenhouse: about 6.4 × 60 m (384 m²) per batch, 1.5–2 hours of steam to reach 70–80 °C, then 4–5 hours under cover. At 103.3 L/h diesel for 2 hours and TWD 29.9/L, fuel costs about TWD 6,200 (about USD 194) per batch. Use the cost calculator for your own conditions.

60–80 °C held for 30 minutes. Most soil-borne pathogens die at 50–60 °C within 30 minutes; root-knot nematodes die at 48 °C in 10 minutes. Higher temperatures can harm the soil environment.

Steam penetrates about 20 cm within 20 minutes; buried pipes are set about 20 cm deep. 30–40% soil moisture gives longer-lasting results. Very wet soil cannot absorb the condensate, lowering the effect and lengthening the time.

It depends on the model (200, 400, 500, 1500), carrier (fixed, cart, crawler, truck, tractor) and options. Contact us for a recommendation and quotation for your area and crops.