How to Treat Soil for Anthracnose

Exceptionally resilient, anthracnose can survive in the soil for up to nine months without any plant hosts, according the University of California. A fungal disease, anthracnose occurs predominately in the eastern United States. During the winter, the fungus survives in the soil; when wet spring weather arrives, the fungus reproduces. It flourishes when the temperature hovers between 75 to 85 degrees F. Soil solarization has been shown to effectively kill anthracnose, so you can safely cultivate the area.

Tiller
Rake
Soaker hose
Polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride clear sheets

Instructions

- 1
  Till the soil to a depth of 8 inches. Ensure there are no large clumps of dirt. Spread the soil smooth, using a rake.
- 2
  Water the soil lightly. The soil should feel evenly moist to the touch. Spread a soaker hose through the infected soil.
- 3
  Lay out clear sheets of polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride across the soil's surface. The plastic sheets should cover the soil and the soaker hose. Place another layer of sheets over the ones you just set out. Allow air to be trapped between the two sheets, to effectively heat the soil.
- 4
  Bury the corners of the polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride sheets approximately 6 inches deep in the soil, to keep the sheets from blowing away. Use sheets at least 2 or more millimeters thick to prevent tearing during high winds.
- 5
  Keep the soil evenly moist beneath the plastic using the soaker hose. Turn it on lightly and do not overly saturate the soil.
- 6
  Monitor the plastic closely for rips or tears. Use duct tape to repair any damaged areas.
- 7
  Leave the plastic on the soil's surface for six weeks. The temperature beneath the plastic will rise to about 125 degrees F. It will effectively kill soil pathogens and weed seeds to a depth of 8 inches, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension.

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