Höyrystyskasvatus

Höyrystyskasvatus, also known as steam sterilization or steam cultivation, is a method used primarily in horticulture and agriculture to sterilize soil or growing media. This process involves heating the soil to a high temperature using steam, typically to around 70-100 degrees Celsius. The purpose of steam sterilization is to eliminate or significantly reduce the populations of harmful organisms present in the soil, such as plant pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses), nematodes, and weed seeds.

The process can be carried out using various equipment, from large-scale industrial machines that inject steam directly into the soil in fields or greenhouses to smaller, portable units for localized treatment. The steam penetrates the soil, killing susceptible organisms through heat denaturation of proteins and enzymes. The duration of steaming depends on factors like soil type, moisture content, and the target organisms.

Höyrystyskasvatus offers several benefits. It can improve plant health by removing disease-causing agents, leading to better growth and reduced crop losses. It also helps control weeds, reducing the need for herbicides. However, the process can also kill beneficial microorganisms in the soil, which may require subsequent reintroduction or a period of natural recolonization. Additionally, it is an energy-intensive method and can be costly to implement on a large scale. The method is often employed in intensive horticultural systems where soil-borne diseases pose a significant threat to high-value crops.