Dazomet is applied to wet soil, which causes dazomet itself to decompose into a gaseous form, which is what actively controls pests. The decomposition of dazomet releases methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) a gas toxic to pests that would prevent or kill plant growth. Dazomet has also been proven to be effective in the prevention of Phellinus noxius, or brown root rot disease.[5]