Why disinfect drain water with ultrafiltration?

The health of plants starts with clean water. In greenhouse horticulture, reusing drain water is a sustainable practice that not only reduces costs but also minimizes environmental impact. However, drain water can contain pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, posing a direct threat to crop health. Ultrafiltration offers an effective solution to this challenge.

Why is disinfecting drain water important?

Drain water often contains higher concentrations of organic matter. If untreated, this can lead to:

• Disease spread: Pathogens in the water can infect plants.
• Biofilm formation: Organic matter in the water causes blockages in irrigation systems.
• Lower yields: Diseased plants lead to crop loss and reduced productivity.

Ultrafiltration prevents these issues. But what exactly is ultrafiltration and how does it work?

Ultrafiltration: What is it and how does it work?

Ultrafiltration is a technology that uses membranes with extremely small pores (approximately 20 nanometers) to physically remove unwanted particles from water. The membranes allow water and dissolved nutrients to pass through while blocking harmful substances like pathogens and organic material. This process produces water that is free of pathogens, preserving essential nutrients and enabling the optimal reuse of drain water.

“With ultrafiltration, we remove pathogens from drain water, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for plants,” explains Ruud Schulte, Manager of Innovation, Sales & Technology Filtration Division at Van der Ende Group.

Immediate benefits for plant health

Clean water has a direct impact on plant health. By removing pathogens, ultrafiltration reduces the risk of diseases, resulting in stronger, healthier crops. This leads to improved absorption of water and nutrients, fostering optimal growth and higher yields. Additionally, ultrafiltration minimizes biofilm buildup in irrigation systems, reducing clogs and maintenance costs. Healthy and clean water lays the foundation for healthy crops and ultrafiltration plays a crucial role in achieving this.

Ultrafiltration as part of the ErfGoed WaterSystem

Ultrafiltration can be integrated into the ErfGoed WaterSystem. Jack Ford, North America Sales Manager at ErfGoed, explains: “The ErfGoed WaterSystem is a complete water management solution designed to help growers use water sustainably and effectively. It combines disinfection and fertilization technologies to ensure optimal water quality.”

The system provides a comprehensive solution tailored to the needs of any grower, ensuring a future-proof supply of high-quality water. This enables growers to cultivate healthy, robust crops and maintain reliability as suppliers for their customers.

Healthy plants through clean water

Disinfecting drain water is a vital step in safeguarding plant health. Ultrafiltration offers a sustainable and efficient solution to remove pathogens from water while preserving nutrients. With reliable water management systems, growers can depend on clean and safe water, essential for cultivating strong and healthy plants.