A method for the management of a soil pest or pathogen includes a source of high voltage electricity; at least one capacitor for storing the high voltage electricity; a multiplicity of electrodes inserted into a soil location having a soil pest and/or pathogen to be managed; and an electrical switch which is controllably opened and closes so as to form a pulse of electricity which is passed through the soil location and between the electrodes so as to effect the management of the soil pest and/or pathogen.

An apparatus for mitigating unwanted life forms, the apparatus comprising: a sensor system configured to detect an unwanted life form; an adjustable first electrode; an earthed second electrode; a voltage generator connected to the first and second electrodes; a conductivity generator for increasing conductivity between the first electrode and the unwanted life form; and a controller in communication with the sensor system, the voltage generator and the conductivity generator, the controller, using a signal from sensor system, adjusting the first electrode to a position adjacent to yet separate from the unwanted life form and the second electrode, engaging the conductivity generator and initiating a transfer of charge from the first electrode to the life form using the increased conductivity of the air between the first electrode and the life form.

An apparatus for mitigating unwanted life forms, the apparatus comprising: a sensor system configured to detect an unwanted life form; an adjustable first electrode; an earthed second electrode; a voltage generator connected to the first and second electrodes; a conductivity generator for increasing conductivity between the first electrode and the unwanted life form; and a controller in communication with the sensor system, the voltage generator and the conductivity generator, the controller, using a signal from sensor system, adjusting the first electrode to a position adjacent to yet separate from the unwanted life form and the second electrode, engaging the conductivity generator and initiating a transfer of charge from the first electrode to the life form using the increased conductivity of the air between the first electrode and the life form.