Abstract:
Anaerobic soil disinfection (ASD) has been identified as an alternative soil-borne pathogen
control strategy to chemical fumigation. ASD involves the application of an easily liable carbon
source followed by irrigation to field capacity and maintenance of an anaerobic condition for a certain
period. A literature search undertaken on ASD found that more than 50 comprehensive research
projects have been conducted since its first discovery in 2000. Most of these studies were conducted
in the USA and in the Netherlands. Though the exact mechanism of ASD in pathogen control is
unknown, promising results have been reported against a wide range of pathogens such as fungi,
nematodes, protists, and oomycetes. However, it is interesting to note that, except for a few studies,
ASD research in the developing world and in the tropical countries has lagged behind. Nevertheless,
with soil quality depletion, reduction in arable lands, and exponential population growth, a drastic
change to the current agricultural practices should be adapted since yield gain has reached a plateau
for major staple crops. Under such circumstances, we identified the gaps and the potentials of ASD
in tropical agricultural systems and proposed promising biodegradable materials.
