Meet ozone: an eco-friendly answer that gives a mess of advantages, from irrigation to storage. On this article, Lies van Geest of Tuprotec explains how ozone generally is a game-changer, notably within the areas of illness management, pest management, irrigation and post-harvest storage.
Illness management
One of many major benefits of utilizing ozone in greenhouses is its effectiveness in controlling and stopping ailments. As a robust oxidant, ozone can remove a variety of pathogens, together with micro organism, viruses, and fungi.
Ozone is utilized to disinfect greenhouse surfaces, instruments, and tools, thereby lowering the danger of illness transmission. That is particularly essential in managed environments the place ailments can unfold rapidly and trigger important harm. Common ozonation of surfaces helps keep a sterile and protected setting for plant progress.
Moreover, ozonized air can flow into throughout the greenhouse to remove airborne pathogens, selling a more healthy rising setting. By sustaining an environment freed from pathogens, the danger of ailments equivalent to powdery mildew and botrytis is considerably diminished. This ongoing disinfection course of gives an environment friendly and efficient layer of safety.
Lies provides, “Ozone can be used for soil therapy, successfully eliminating pathogens with out counting on dangerous chemical compounds. Soil-borne ailments like Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt will be managed by means of common ozone remedies. This strategy not solely eradicates pathogens but in addition preserves the pure stability of helpful microorganisms within the soil, fostering more healthy plant progress.”
Pest administration
Along with illness management, ozone can be efficient in managing pests. Its sturdy oxidizing properties can repel sure pests, lowering the reliance on chemical pesticides. Ozone within the greenhouse setting can deter pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites, that are frequent points.
Ozone can destroy the eggs and larvae of pests, disrupting their life cycle and stopping infestations. By concentrating on the early levels of pest growth, ozone helps lower the general pest inhabitants and minimizes the danger of extreme infestations.
By utilizing ozone, growers can scale back their dependence on chemical pesticides, leading to decrease pesticide residues on crops. That is notably advantageous in assembly the growing shopper demand for natural and chemical-free produce. Moreover, lowering chemical utilization helps defend the setting and helps sustainable agricultural practices.
Irrigation
Water high quality is crucial in greenhouse cultivation, and ozone can play a major function in enhancing it.
“Ozonizing irrigation water eliminates pathogens, making certain that the water used for vegetation is free from dangerous microorganisms. That is notably vital for stopping water-borne ailments equivalent to Pythium and Phytophthora, which may result in root rot and different points.”
Ozone additionally aids in breaking down natural matter in water, making vitamins extra accessible to vegetation. Improved nutrient availability ends in more healthy vegetation and higher yields. Ozonized water can improve the uptake of important minerals and vitamins, supporting sturdy progress and fruit growth.
Moreover, ozone helps stop biofilm formation in irrigation methods, which may harbor pathogens and clog tools. Common ozone remedies preserve the irrigation system clear and environment friendly, lowering upkeep prices and making certain a constant water provide to vegetation.
Publish-harvest storage
The advantages of ozone prolong past the rising stage to post-harvest storage, serving to to keep up high quality and prolong the shelf lifetime of greens.
Lies explains, “Ozone can break down ethylene, a pure ripening agent, which slows the ripening course of and extends shelf life. Managing ethylene ranges is essential to stop untimely ripening and over-ripening, which may result in spoilage and waste. By controlling ethylene, ozone helps keep the firmness and freshness of greens for longer intervals.”
Ozone can be efficient in combating the expansion of mildew and micro organism on greens and flowers in storage, lowering spoilage. Mildew and micro organism are frequent post-harvest points that may unfold quickly and smash total batches of produce. Ozone therapy offers an extra layer of safety, making certain that greens stay protected and edible.
Environmental and financial advantages
Ozone naturally decomposes again into oxygen, leaving no dangerous residues, making it an environmentally pleasant different to chemical remedies. In contrast to conventional pesticides and fungicides, ozone doesn’t contribute to environmental air pollution or pose dangers to human well being. Its use helps sustainable agricultural practices and helps scale back the carbon footprint of greenhouse operations.
Whereas the preliminary funding in ozone era tools will be substantial, the long-term financial savings from diminished chemical use, a decrease incidence of pests and ailments, and prolonged product shelf life could make it cost-effective. Lowered reliance on chemical remedies additionally interprets to decrease prices for buying pesticides and fungicides. Moreover, more healthy vegetation and longer-lasting greens can command increased market costs, doubtlessly growing revenue for growers.
Tuprotec
Tuprotec B.V. is a horticultural engineering consultancy that interprets a consumer’s concepts and needs into an built-in and environment friendly horticultural mission. Remedy with ozone is one among their focus areas.
For extra data:
Tuprotec / O 3 tech
Tel: 06 5321 8754
[email protected]
www.tuprotec.nl/