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Frequently asked questions

Soil fumigation is a soil disinfection method. Therefore, a soil fumigant can also be referred to as a soil disinfectant. These terms are often used interchangeably in the industry, and the use of one term over the other may vary depending on the region.

Nemasol (metam sodium) and Nemasol K (metam potassium) are both salts of N-methyldithiocarbamate but have a different counterions as part of their chemical composition: sodium in the case of Nemasol and potassium in the case of Nemasol K. Both are commercially available in aqueous solutions with different concentrations (see here). Once applied in soil, Nemasol and Nemasol K release the active compound methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), which offers a broad spectrum of activity against soil diseases and weeds.

With its potassium content, Nemasol K is recommended for use on crops that benefit from potassium nutrition and can have a secondary benefit working to some degree as a fertilizer. Unlike Nemasol, it is sodium free. For that reason, Nemasol K is also recommended for crops grown in high-salinity soils.

When metam converts to MITC, there is typically a quick buildup of a peak concentration of MITC followed by a decrease as MITC immediately starts to dissipate (gas expansion, sorption, and degradation or metabolism). In general, a waiting period of two to six weeks is recommended; however, this depends on local soil and weather conditions and label requirements. A cress test (see stewardship section here) is always recommended to ensure all MITC has been converted.

Soil is a limited resource and is one of the primary causes of yield loss. Gradually, cycle by cycle, the yield decreases, even though the cultivation technique remains the same. This decline is the typical effect, known as soil fatigue, caused by a complex set of parameters not completely understood.

A possible solution to avoid this soilborne threat is the application of soil fungicides, nematicides or herbicides. However, very few of the currently available plant protection products are appropriate for soil treatment. Many of them need repeated cultural treatments and present a potential danger for residue accumulation in the crop.

Soil disinfection as a pre-cultural measure is a more favorable solution that can control weeds, soilborne diseases and pests in one single application. Depending on the application mode or technique, a soil disinfectant like Nemasol can reach and treat deeper soil layers according to the need. By decreasing or replacing other crop protection sprays, labor and application costs are also reduced.

When applied prior to seeding or planting, soil disinfection creates a favorable environment that promotes healthy crop growth. This allows growers to start with a clean field, protecting the crops from a very early stage. In addition to a protective role, it helps improve the crop's quality and yield. By rebalancing the soil’s ecosystem and avoiding the post-planting stress of agrochemicals, Nemasol helps crops establish themselves faster and more vigorously, resulting in a faster turnover of fields in year-round cultivating systems.

Nemasol shows no quantifiable residues in soil. The mode of action and the degradation of the products into simple organic compounds do not give rise to any quantifiable pesticide residue in the subsequent cultivated crops. The broad-spectrum activity also allows for a reduction in the overall use of other pesticides, thereby greatly reducing the risks of residues from those products in the crops.

Nemasol is compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) because it can be used in combination with other techniques, such as solarization, rotation, biofumigation, the use of resistant crop varieties and the incorporation of beneficial organisms, to control soil parasites. Once applied in soil, Nemasol releases the active compound methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), which is also naturally produced by plants of the order Brassicales (cabbage, horseradish, mustard, caper and cleome). MITC is a fast-acting compound that offers protection against nematodes, fungi and weeds.

Although Nemasol does affect beneficials like any other plant protection product applied in soil, it has been demonstrated that the soil resilience when using Nemasol is higher than when using other fumigants (Sun et al., Journal of Integrative Agriculture, October 2020). Soil resilience is defined as the soil’s capacity to recover its structural and functional integrity after cultivation or, in other words, the capacity to fully recover to its original state. In a strategy where beneficial organisms are incorporated after Nemasol application, the microbiome will even thrive because the soil has been cleaned and there is little to no competition from soil parasites.

At Eastman, we are committed to stewardship. Consult our dedicated stewardship section here to get information and documentation on the correct and safe application of our products. We also provide comprehensive safety training, teaching farmers how to use our crop protection products to increase their yields and quality of harvested goods effectively and safely. On-site safety checks and safe application training are also available on request.

Soil fumigation is a soil disinfection method. Therefore, a soil fumigant can also be referred to as a soil disinfectant. These terms are often used interchangeably in the industry, and the use of one term over the other may vary depending on the region.

Nemasol (metam sodium) and Nemasol K (metam potassium) are both salts of N-methyldithiocarbamate but have a different counterions as part of their chemical composition: sodium in the case of Nemasol and potassium in the case of Nemasol K. Both are commercially available in aqueous solutions with different concentrations (see here). Once applied in soil, Nemasol and Nemasol K release the active compound methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), which offers a broad spectrum of activity against soil diseases and weeds.

With its potassium content, Nemasol K is recommended for use on crops that benefit from potassium nutrition and can have a secondary benefit working to some degree as a fertilizer. Unlike Nemasol, it is sodium free. For that reason, Nemasol K is also recommended for crops grown in high-salinity soils.

When metam converts to MITC, there is typically a quick buildup of a peak concentration of MITC followed by a decrease as MITC immediately starts to dissipate (gas expansion, sorption, and degradation or metabolism). In general, a waiting period of two to six weeks is recommended; however, this depends on local soil and weather conditions and label requirements. A cress test (see stewardship section here) is always recommended to ensure all MITC has been converted.

Soil is a limited resource and is one of the primary causes of yield loss. Gradually, cycle by cycle, the yield decreases, even though the cultivation technique remains the same. This decline is the typical effect, known as soil fatigue, caused by a complex set of parameters not completely understood.

A possible solution to avoid this soilborne threat is the application of soil fungicides, nematicides or herbicides. However, very few of the currently available plant protection products are appropriate for soil treatment. Many of them need repeated cultural treatments and present a potential danger for residue accumulation in the crop.

Soil disinfection as a pre-cultural measure is a more favorable solution that can control weeds, soilborne diseases and pests in one single application. Depending on the application mode or technique, a soil disinfectant like Nemasol can reach and treat deeper soil layers according to the need. By decreasing or replacing other crop protection sprays, labor and application costs are also reduced.

When applied prior to seeding or planting, soil disinfection creates a favorable environment that promotes healthy crop growth. This allows growers to start with a clean field, protecting the crops from a very early stage. In addition to a protective role, it helps improve the crop's quality and yield. By rebalancing the soil’s ecosystem and avoiding the post-planting stress of agrochemicals, Nemasol helps crops establish themselves faster and more vigorously, resulting in a faster turnover of fields in year-round cultivating systems.

Nemasol shows no quantifiable residues in soil. The mode of action and the degradation of the products into simple organic compounds do not give rise to any quantifiable pesticide residue in the subsequent cultivated crops. The broad-spectrum activity also allows for a reduction in the overall use of other pesticides, thereby greatly reducing the risks of residues from those products in the crops.

Nemasol is compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) because it can be used in combination with other techniques, such as solarization, rotation, biofumigation, the use of resistant crop varieties and the incorporation of beneficial organisms, to control soil parasites. Once applied in soil, Nemasol releases the active compound methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), which is also naturally produced by plants of the order Brassicales (cabbage, horseradish, mustard, caper and cleome). MITC is a fast-acting compound that offers protection against nematodes, fungi and weeds.

Although Nemasol does affect beneficials like any other plant protection product applied in soil, it has been demonstrated that the soil resilience when using Nemasol is higher than when using other fumigants (Sun et al., Journal of Integrative Agriculture, October 2020). Soil resilience is defined as the soil’s capacity to recover its structural and functional integrity after cultivation or, in other words, the capacity to fully recover to its original state. In a strategy where beneficial organisms are incorporated after Nemasol application, the microbiome will even thrive because the soil has been cleaned and there is little to no competition from soil parasites.

At Eastman, we are committed to stewardship. Consult our dedicated stewardship section here to get information and documentation on the correct and safe application of our products. We also provide comprehensive safety training, teaching farmers how to use our crop protection products to increase their yields and quality of harvested goods effectively and safely. On-site safety checks and safe application training are also available on request.

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Certain statements may not be applicable in all geographical regions. Product labeling and associated claims differ based on government requirements. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use.