Question

soil sterilization or pasteurization requires heating the soil at ______.
a. 180 degrees f for ½ hour
b. 190 degrees f for ¾ of an hour
c. 160 degrees f for 1 hour
d. 120 degrees f for 2 hours

Explanation:

In soil sterilization or pasteurization, the standard procedure is heating the soil at 160 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour. This temperature - time combination effectively kills pathogens, pests, and weed seeds while minimizing damage to beneficial soil components. Option a has a high temperature for a short time which may over - sterilize and harm soil structure. Option b’s temperature and time are not the standard. Option d’s low temperature and long time may not be sufficient to kill all unwanted organisms.

Answer:

c. 160 degrees F for 1 hour