How to Disinfect Soil with Rotting Roots
Handling the soil after root rot in potted plants is a crucial part of maintenance. Reusing soil with residual pathogens can lead to secondary infections. Scientific disinfection methods not only preserve the original substrate but also effectively restore soil activity. This article details three verified disinfection solutions to help you rebuild a healthy planting environment.
Physical Disinfection Method for Rotting Soil
Sunlight Exposure Treatment
Choose to operate on consecutive sunny days, preferably during the noon hours in summer. Spread the contaminated soil on a black plastic film, keeping the thickness between 2-3 centimeters, and use the combined power of ultraviolet light and high temperatures to kill germs. Turn the soil 3-4 times a day to ensure even heating of all layers, continuing exposure for 72 hours or more. This method can kill over 80% of fungal spores and is particularly suitable for treating old soil of plants that prefer dry conditions, such as succulents.
Chemical Disinfection Solutions
Multifungicide Complex Disinfection
Dilute the wettable powder at a ratio of 1:500, and spray 5 liters of the solution per cubic meter of soil. Use a layered treatment technique: divide the soil into breathable mesh bags and alternate between spraying the fungicide and dry vermiculite. Seal and let it sit for 48 hours before spreading it out to dry, which can form a continuous protective film. This is especially suitable for regenerating the substrates of disease-prone plants like orchids.
Potassium Permanganate Oxidation Disinfection
Prepare a 0.1% concentration solution (1 gram per liter of water), and water the soil three times for disinfection: soak the first time, let it sit for 2 hours, then water again, and finally rinse with clean water. After treatment, add EM bacteria agents to restore the microbial community. This is suitable for repairing humus soil of woody plants like roses.
After systematic disinfection, it is recommended to mix the soil with 30% new substrate. Regularly check the soil EC value and pH, and applying bio-fertilizers can maintain long-term antibacterial effects. Properly handling old soil can not only reduce maintenance costs but also achieve resource recycling.