Like others involved in this issue, Thomas said that there is not likely to be a single, magic bullet alternative to methyl bromide. An integrated approach to pest control will be necessary by carefully considering the crop or commodity, climate, type of soil, and probably most important, the target pest. Alternatives proposed for soil fumigation are dependent on many factors, including the pest, crop, geographic location, time of year, and soil type. Nonchemical methods include crop rotation, organic matter, steam, solarization, and ozone. Chemicals suggested are phosphine and sulfuryl fluoride.
Nonchemical treatments are irradiation, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and cold and heat.