Sterilization of substrates for plant cultivation

Substrate disinfection is an essential step to ensure healthy and productive crops.

For decades, the use of chemicals for substrate sterilization has been the norm, but the negative effects on human health and the environment have driven the search for more sustainable solutions. This is not the first success story in steam solutions for plant cultivation that we are facing.

This is where physical disinfection by thermal control(DFTerm) comes into play, a technique that uses steam to kill pathogens and weeds in an effective and environmentally friendly manner.

Why use steam to sterilize substrates?

The application of steam on agricultural substrates offers multiple benefits:

• Eliminates a wide range of pathogens: bacteria, fungi, viruses, nematodes and insects.
• Sustainability: reduces the need for harmful chemicals.
• Energy efficiency: shorter treatment time compared to other thermal methods.
• Increased safety: avoids exposure to toxic substances.
• Preservation of the substrate structure: maintains its porosity and nutrient retention capacity.

How does steam sterilization work?

The DFTerm system heats the substrate to an optimum temperature for a given time, eliminating harmful organisms without affecting the properties of the culture medium. According to studies, times and temperatures vary depending on the type of pathogen to be eliminated:

The key is to apply the optimum combination of temperature and time to ensure complete removal of unwanted organisms without affecting the quality of the substrate.

Application of steam on substrates

The standard procedure for steam disinfection consists of the following steps:

1. Loading of the substrate into the container or treatment area.
2. Placement of steam diffusers to ensure homogeneous distribution.
3. Process control by means of temperature sensors.
4. Maintenance of heat for the time necessary for the complete elimination of pathogens.

In recent studies, it has been observed that the use of advanced insulation panels and temperature controllers allows for better thermal efficiency, reducing costs and increasing process effectiveness.

Effect of steam on substrate structure and fertility.

One of the most important aspects of heat treatment is its impact on substrate composition.

While steam kills harmful microorganisms, it can also affect beneficial organisms. Therefore, the reintroduction of beneficial microorganisms after disinfection, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria or mycorrhizae, is recommended to optimize soil health.

In addition, humidity, temperature and organic matter content influence treatment efficiency. Excess moisture can reduce the ability of steam to penetrate deep, while a substrate that is too dry may not transfer heat well.

In short, an effective and sustainable method for the sterilization of substrates.

Steam sterilization of substrates is an effective, safe and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical treatments. With the implementation of systems such as DFTerm, it is possible to guarantee the quality of the growing medium, reduce production costs and contribute to agricultural sustainability.

Want to learn more about advanced solutions for substrate disinfection? Visit www.giconmes.es and discover how to improve the health and productivity of your crops with state-of-the-art technology.