Ozone used for disinfection in soilless cultivation

Soilless agriculture is moving towards the use of ozone to disinfect and treat irrigation water, according to Giorgio Zaffani of the Italian company Ecofarm Storti, which specializes in the use of ozone. The company was also one of the first in Europe to develop the technology for use above ground.

"In the last two years," says Zaffani, "there has been an increase in demand from both nursery growers and soilless producers. This is because they have understood the great health benefits that can be achieved with this technology and the positive feedback in terms of higher yields. It also simplifies greenhouse operations."

Ecofarm Storti is not only active in Italy, but also in Austria and Switzerland, particularly with companies that grow tomatoes, cucumbers in particular, but also strawberries. "With our ozone treatment, we sanitize the entire irrigation system and remove biofilm from filters and drippers. Large volumes of water can be treated extremely quickly because the system is designed and modulated according to the needs of the farm."

Zaffani continues: " The ozone saturates the water and this combination produces free radicals which have the effect of saturating the oxygen concentration. The result is also positive for the roots, which become more vigorous. In addition, the increase in root surface area contributes to a more efficient absorption of nutrients, resulting in better plant growth in a shorter period. Free radicals also protect roots from typical diseases and leave no residue. In short, it is an environmentally friendly technique that maintains the health of the plant and promotes its development."

Once designed, the system is easy to install and requires no input other than electricity to operate.

"Some of our customers have confirmed that the investment pays for itself in 12 to 24 months because of the drastic reduction in plant diseases and the increase in yield. There is also a reduction in plant replacements, especially in nurseries," he says.

"More than 100 hectares of soilless greenhouses have been treated with our system," concludes Zaffani, "and we are already receiving requests from Italy and countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Germany."