Differnt Month/Same Qustion

wdrake – posted 01 October 2002 06:16

I’m trying to grow St Augustine in NW Florida and have a mess: soil borne fungus, weeds,weed seeds, grubs, nematodes, and mole crickets. Over the years I have tried to treat these problems, but with little success. Once more before I get too old I want to try to get some healthy turf growing in my back yard. In preparation for sod in the spring I would like to sterilize the soil to kill everything, and add some organic stuff. The only guidance I have is from the Florida Lawn Handbook, which, at least in the not too distant past, outlined a couple of fumigation procedures. I’m inclined to believe that the State has now outlawed these procedures for the do-it-your-selfer!

Suggestions Please!

seed – posted 01 October 2002 09:53

wdrake, Basamid® by BASF (active ingredient Dazomet) is a granular soil fumigant that is not currently a restricted used pesticide. It is a nonselective pesticide, and it may potentially kill everything, including weeds, nematodes, disease organisms, even the applicator if he/she is not adequately protected (see the label: BASF Basamid label )

When Basamid is tilled into wet soil it forms the gas methyl isothiocyanate, as well as other gases, which move a few inches in the soil. Recommendations after spreading and rototilling are that “The surface of the soil must be sealed immediately afterward . . .”http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_IN095That would require using a plastic tarpaulin or finding a way to quickly press the soil and form a moist barrier on the surface.

Other preplant fumigants are restricted use pesticides that can be applied by a properly licensed applicator, including methyl bromide (several different trade names) which is applied as a gas, and Vapam (active ingredient metam sodium) which is a liquid, but also produces the gas methyl isothiocyanate.

I have not personally applied Basamid, and I understand from reports in the turfgrass industry that results are mixed. Did they properly follow directions? I don’t know.

For the amount of trouble involved with Basamid, you might want to consider hiring a professional to apply Methyl bromide, with a high likelihood of removing any weeds.

However, any other pests besides weeds (nematodes, disease organisms such as fungi) are expected to become reintroduced and quickly reestablish equilibrium. Even with methyl bromide, the sting nematode will be back in business within 2 years, based on my experience.

My opinion is that the only serious reason for preplant fumigation of a turf area is the weeds, therefore you might also consider a combination of multiple treatments with Roundup and some fallowing, the whole process taking several months, to accomplish a 99+% weed removal.

Phil

See also:http://www.lawnandlandscape.com/marketplace/product.asp?MarketplaceID=113&Product=4http://infoventures.com/e-hlth/pestcide/dazomet.html

Will-PCB – posted 03 October 2002 00:01

Wow. I just got my mind blown to smitherines!

Is there a “simpleton’s explination” on how to just wipe out the freakin mole crickets?

The sod web worms bit the dust fairly easily, but those damned ole mole crickets are tough!