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soil fumigant
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soil fumigant

chemistry
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Quick Summary

A fumigant is a volatile, poisonous substance used to kill pests like insects and nematodes that damage stored foods, seeds, or other materials. Soil fumigants are applied to cultivated soil to control disease-causing fungi, nematodes, and weeds.1

Common soil fumigants include methyl bromide, ethylene dibromide, and chloropicrin. These substances are volatile and can penetrate soil to eliminate pests. However, they can also kill beneficial soil organisms that naturally control pests, potentially leading to more severe infestations later.1

Fumigants are toxic to humans and should only be applied by trained individuals with proper equipment. Fumigation is distinct from spraying and dusting, as it involves using gases or volatile compounds held in contact with the material being treated.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. fumigant
  2. spraying and dusting

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