Additional effects

In addition to direct or indirect pest and disease control, the DD® product range enhances soil quality making it more favorable to crop growth. This is achieved through the following effects on soil
  • Temporary inhibition of nitrifying bacteria leading to increased ammoniacal nitrogen preventing the leaching of nitrogen under nitrate form, followed by stimulation of nitrification
  • Changes in the assimilation of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and manganese
  • Absence of adverse effects on fungal antagonists in the soil
  • Increase of mycorrhiza activity at lower doses
  • Increase of actinomycete populations. Actinomycetes are the most abundant group in soil microbial life. 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