US Developing Updated 21 days ago
California university tests hot steam as alternative to fumigants
What happened
The University of California, Santa Cruz is testing high-temperature steam injection to disinfect strawberry field soil without synthetic chemicals, with commercial trials planned near the Pajaro Valley. The method pasteurizes soil to control pathogens and weeds as California moves to phase out chemical fumigants. Related propane-powered steam equipment developed with UC Davis has been in field trials for about 15 years.
How we know
Developing: this story is still changing. We will update this record as more independent reporting comes in.
0 independent reports · 6 newsrooms · 6 total articles tracked
What is still uncertain
The trials are ongoing; cost and effectiveness at commercial scale are not yet established.
Sources (6)
- Wgal unclassified 2026-10-02 10:00:00 UTC
- Kcci unclassified 2026-10-02 08:45:00 UTC
- 4029tv unclassified 2026-10-02 08:45:00 UTC
- Wvtm13 unclassified 2026-10-02 08:30:00 UTC
- Kmbc unclassified 2026-10-02 08:00:00 UTC
- Wjcl unclassified 2026-10-02 07:30:00 UTC
Just The Wire combines multiple publishers into one record and links back to the original reporting.
