Predicting Net Returns of Organic and Conventional Strawberry Following Soil Disinfestation with Steam or Steam Plus Additives

Pre-plant methods for managing soil-borne pests and diseases are an important priority many agricultural production systems. This study investigates whether the application of steam is economically sustainable pre-plant soil disinfestation technique organic conventional strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) in California’s Central Coast region. We analyze net returns from field trials using + mustard seed meal (MSM) as treatments. ANOVA tests identify statistically significant differences revenues by treatment trial. Multivariate regressions estimate magnitude these effects. Predictive polynomial models relationships between two characteristics: maximum temperature (°C) time at ≥60 °C (minutes). For production, similar MSM has significantly higher than treatment. Cross-validated outperform sample mean prediction returns, except production. The optimal degree ranges 1–4 degrees, depending on system Results three suggest that temperatures 62–63 achieved 41–44 min maximizes may be a basis further experiments.