is broken down over time by ultraviolet radiation, and the cost to remove and dispose of plastic

can exceed $235 per acre (Noling, 1992). Soil solarization using clear plastic in conjunction

with a biological antagonist (such as an increased population of beneficial microorganisms to

reduce nematode populations) or a registered nematicide, may be an alternative for control of

soilborne pests such as nematodes.


Microwave

 Research has been conducted to examine use of microwaves to sterilize the soil. At

10,000 watts it took 280 hours to treat 7,200 linear feet of 8 inches of soil. Soil has a

tremendous buffering capacity and soil moisture becomes a limiting factor when using this

method.


Soil Flooding

 Flooding has been found to reduce populations of root knot nematode. Greenhouse tests

showed that one month of flooding, followed by one month of dry period, and finally one more

month of flooding, reduced numbers of root knot nematode (Rhoades et al., 1966). In Florida

however, current permitting requirements and limited water resources impede the use of this

practice.


Soil Amendments

 The use of soil amendments is a means of biological control. For example, Rodriguez-

Kabana and Morgan-Jones (1987) examined the use of organic and inorganic materials that

release ammoniacal nitrogen that enables beneficial microorganisms to suppress populations of

nematodes. The release of nitrogen has been found to increase microorganisms that are