Abstract
Biochar (BC) is increasingly applied in agriculture; however, due to its adsorption and degradation properties, biochar may also affect the efficacy of fumigant in amended soil. Our research is intended to study the effects of two types of biochars (BC-1 and BC-2) on the efficacy and emission of methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) in biochar amendment soil. Both types of biochars can significantly reduce MITC emission losses, but, at the same time, decrease the concentration of MITC in the soil. The efficacy of MITC for controlling soil-borne pests (Meloidogyne spp., Fusarium spp. Phytophthora spp., Abutilon theophrasti and Digitaria sanguinalis) was reduced when the biochar (BC-1 and BC-2) was applied at a rate of higher than 1% and 0.5% (on a weight basis) (on a weight basis), respectively. However, increased doses of dazomet (DZ) were able to offset decreases in the efficacy of MITC in soils amended with biochars. Biochars with strong adsorption capacity (such as BC-1) substantially reduced MITC degradation rate by 6.2 times, and increased by 4.1 times following amendment with biochar with high degradability (e.g., BC-2), compared to soil without biochar amendment. This is due to the adsorption and degradation of biochar that reduces MITC emission losses and pest control.
Highlights
Soil fumigants are commonly used worldwide to control soil-borne fungal pathogens, nematodes and weeds in high-value crops such as cut flowers and vegetables
methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) emission losses were markedly reduced in soil amended with biochar (Figure 1)
The results indicated that BC-1 or BC-2 amendments in the soil surface could significantly reduce MITC emissions in the air
Summary
Soil fumigants are commonly used worldwide to control soil-borne fungal pathogens, nematodes and weeds in high-value crops such as cut flowers and vegetables. DZ rapidly decomposes to its active ingredient, methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), which is toxic to soil-borne pests, especially fungi, some soil arthropods, and ectoparasitic nematodes [4,5]. The high application rates of DZ (294–450 kg·ha−1 ) and high vapor pressure of MITC (20.7 mmHg at 20 ◦ C) result in the significant volatilization of MITC following fumigation, and this may cause environmental and health problems because of the irritant, lachrymatory and toxic properties of the gas [4,6]. It is imperative to develop strategies to minimize the emissions of MITC while ensuring high activity against pathogens.
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