Dig trench at least 4" deep around perimeter of the site, either by hand or using equipment .
Ensure the site is relatively smooth, level, and free from large rocks, brush, or other objects or debris that could raise or puncture the plastic.
Solarization is a non-herbicidal method of controlling weeds by placing a clear plastic sheet on moist soil during periods of high ambient temperature. The clear plastic allows for the transfer of the sun’s radiant energy to the soil, where it becomes trapped under the plastic and heats the upper levels of the soil. Solarization during the hot summer months can increase soil temperatures to levels that not only kill existing vegetation but also impact the viability of weed seeds in the top few inches of soil
This is effective since the majority of weeds found growing in significant numbers typically emerge from the non- dormant seeds located in the top of the soil profile.
Lay plastic, either by hand or using equipment . Pull the plastic taut and bury the edges to prevent airflow between the plastic and the ground. If necessary, weigh down the center of the plastic with a few rocks or bricks to prevent the wind from lifting it.
One concern with solarization is the impact this method may have on soil microbes, many of which are impacted at high temperatures. Although there is limited data on this topic, some studies suggest that microbes from adjacent areas will easily recolonize the solarized area, especially in smaller plantings with a lot of edge habitat. There is also evidence that weed microbial communities are very different from those of native plantings, which suggests that killing off some of the microbes associated with weeds may actually favor native plant community establishment
Bury the edges of the plastic to prevent the spread of weed seed and limit potentially cooling airflow underneath
One piece of plastic can be reused on a large site over multiple years—increasing the size of the habitat planting. This ¼ ac area was solarized with 6 mil UV-stable high tunnel plastic during summer . That fall, the plastic was unburied on three sides and flipped over to the right (middle). The uncovered area was seeded (right) and the plastic was pulled taut over the newly covered area and the three edges were buried.
In organic all types of organic agriculture, biology replaces chemistry. This means that organic farmers let the soil organisms do the work of facilitating nitrogen fixation, improving nutrient cycling, as well as enhancing soil structure and texture. These soil organisms include macro organisms like earthworms and as well as microorganisms like soil bacteria and fungi. Chemistry, as used by conventional agriculture, has some fundamental problems. When we say chemistry we mean synthetic products such as man-made fertilizers and pesticides.