What is a recommended method to improve soil moisture before fumigation?

Improving soil moisture before fumigation is crucial, as adequate moisture facilitates the movement and effectiveness of the fumigants in the soil. Leaving the previous crop in the ground longer can contribute to improving soil moisture for a few reasons.

Firstly, the presence of a mature crop in the field helps maintain soil structure, reduces evaporation, and allows for better natural moisture retention within the soil. The plant's root system can also help draw water from deeper in the soil profile, making it available near the surface as it breaks down. This moisture retention is beneficial since it promotes a more effective fumigation process by ensuring that the fumigant can diffuse properly through the soil.

In contrast, increasing irrigation frequency might lead to over-saturation if not managed properly and could cause runoff, which does not necessarily enhance soil moisture uniformly in preparation for fumigation. Covering the soil with a black tarp can help heat the soil but does not directly improve moisture content before the fumigation occurs. Planting cover crops immediately could lead to competition for moisture and nutrients, which might not be useful if the aim is to prepare for fumigation in a timely manner. Thus, maintaining the previous crop until closer to the time of fumigation is a sound method for improving soil moisture levels effectively