Ozone for Vertical Farming
Ozone in vertical farming is an excellent organic fungicide and biocide. In addition to its high efficiency and the advantages of not leaving chemical residues on the leaves. When ozone is dissolved in water favors root growth and increases dissolved oxygen in plants.
About 90% of the water used worldwide is for agriculture. Ozone helps reduce the amount of water and helps inactivate viruses and bacteria, reducing the use of pesticides and reducing crop losses.
- Algae, plants material, soils, nutrient build-up
- Bacteria and pathogens begin to grow in a protected environment
- Outbreak
- Plant yield deteriorates
- Fouling increases
The horticulture industry is now realizing the benefits of ozone. Farmers are now beginning to use ozone treatment to disinfect water (recycled or fresh). Ozone treatment is an alternative for water disinfection with less impact on the environment, also ozone is used to increase productions yield, and to prevent the possibility of contamination of irrigation water.
Some applications of ozonated water in horticulture are:
- Irrigation to kill bacteria and micro-organisms which damage the plant since its germination stage and the removal of molds, root rot and fungi
- Pretreatment (sterilization) of soils before sowing
- Immersion of soil pots in ozonated water for disinfection of cuttings
- Treatment of water used for irrigation in order to eliminate algae, heavy metals (such as iron and manganese), and related bacteria (eg. iron bacteria, mangano-bacteria, etc.) present in artificial basins and maximum reuse of water
- Greenhouse spraying for the reduction and elimination of insects and pests;
- Washing of fruits and vegetables, to ensure maximum hygiene and prolongation of their freshness and shelf life after harvest;
There are several advantages to using ozone for vertical farming:
- Strong Oxidant, a lower dose of ozone for a short reaction time in the irrigation cycle is enough to control mold, yeast, and bacteria.
- No residual, there is no need od stabilizer or extra filtration stages
- Increases O2 levels.
- Increased absorption
- Reduced feeding
- Reduced amount of freshwater
- Reduced risk of disease