Additional effects

Apart from direct or indirect pest and disease control, Basamid® enhances soil quality making it more favorable to crop growth. This is a global upshot of the following effects :
  • More active compounds are generated from Dazomet decomposition than MITC alone, although at smaller rates, namely methyl amine, formaldehyde, carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide
  • Temporary inhibition of nitrifying bacteria leading to increased ammoniacal nitrogen preventing leaching of nitrogen in nitrate form, followed by stimulation of nitrification
  • Mineralization products (ammonium, sulfate, carbonate and nitrate) are plant nutrients
  • Carbon disulfide is generated during Dazomet/MITC metabolism and increases calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus availability for plant uptake
  • Initial decrease of actinomycete populations followed by stimulation. Actinomycetes are the most abundant group of microbial life forms found in soil. They are responsible for plant residue decomposition and can generate vitamins and antibiotics. They are also believed to exert growth-stimulating effects through symbiosis with higher plants.
 

Source: Dr Ir Etienne van Wambeke - Technical Manager Soil Disinfestation - Certis Europe