Another control method to consider is soil solarization. This process uses solar energy during the warm summer months to heat the soil to the point where nematodes die. The soil at the treatment site is tilled and prepared just like a fine seed bed. The next step is to cover the soil with a sheet of clear, UV-stabilized plastic film. The edges of the plastic film should be buried at least six inches deep to prevent it from being blown and damaged by the wind.
Sunlight passing through the plastic sheet heats the soil.
A minimum of four to six weeks of treatment is needed to significantly reduce the nematode population. Longer treatments are even more effective. With the first hint of spring, broadleaf weeds are starting to show signs of life, along with cool-season turfgrasses. While early spring can be an ideal time to control broadleaf weeds, proceed with caution, especially if you have warm-season turfgrass. These applications must be avoided if the turf has already started to break winter dormancy.