(Bio)solarisation: practical information (Best4Soil Factsheet)

Summary in the original language of the document

(Bio)solarisation can improve soil health and recover soil fertility. This tool gives an overview of how to do this. This technique uses a transparent film, most commonly polyethylene, with a high air tightness for 4-6 weeks during the highest sun radiation and temperatures. This increases soil temperature and produces changes in the microbial soil community as well as the chemical and physical properties of the soil. The addition of fresh organic matter into the soil before solarisation is called biosolarisation. This practice can increase the efficacy of solarisation as the incorporation of organic matter improves the health of the soil.
The cost of this technique is comparatively high, so economically it is usually only appropriate for intensive crop systems. The technique is applicable for all farmers. The factsheet targets Mediterranean latitudes, however, can be adapted to other conditions and climates.