Anaerobic soil disinfestation: sustainable pest control

Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is a sustainable method for controlling soil-borne pathogens, pests, and weeds without chemical fumigants. It involves adding organic matter to soil and sealing it with plastic to create oxygen-deprived conditions that kill harmful organisms. Beneficial microbes often survive, preserving soil health. The technique is suitable for farms and gardens and is supported by the Best4Soil project and Organic Farm Knowledge. A step-by-step guide is available via the Best4Soil video and factsheet.