Why water treatment is essential for plant health

Plants need more than just light and nutrients to grow—they also require clean and healthy water. However, water can contain bacteria, fungi, and viruses that negatively affect crop growth and resilience. As a result, an increasing number of growers are adopting water treatment methods to safeguard the health of their crops. Clean and healthy irrigation water is crucial for successful cultivation. But what exactly does water treatment entail and why is it so important for plant health?

The importance of water treatment

"Water treatment focuses on disinfecting and improving water quality before it is used for irrigation," explains Corné Verduijn, WaterSystems Manager at ErfGoed. "The goal is to remove bacteria, fungi and viruses from the water, allowing plants to grow under optimal conditions. Additionally, water must remain in motion, be rich in oxygen, and be stored at the correct temperature. Poor water quality can lead to plant diseases, clogged irrigation systems due to biofilm buildup, and reduced nutrient absorption."

The difference between water filtration and water disinfection

Verduijn notes that there is often confusion between water filtration and water disinfection. "Filtration primarily focuses on removing solid particles, such as sand and organic material," he explains. This is achieved through mechanical filters like screen filters, sand filters, or paper belt filters. While filtration can remove some sources of pathogens, it does not control harmful microorganisms.

Water disinfection, on the other hand, goes a step further. It employs techniques specifically designed to eliminate or reduce pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. "By treating water before it reaches the plants, growers can effectively limit the spread of diseases within their nursery," Verduijn emphasizes.

Water disinfection techniques

There are various methods to treat water, and the choice depends on the water source, the level of contamination, and the specific needs of the crop. The most commonly used techniques include:

1. Ultrafiltration
   Ultrafiltration uses membranes with extremely small pores to remove pathogens, bacteria, and viruses from the water. This process has the advantage of working without chemicals while preserving the nutrients in the water, ensuring the nutritional value of the irrigation water remains intact.
2. UV treatment
   In this method, water is exposed to UV light at a specific wavelength. This light damages the DNA of bacteria and viruses, preventing them from reproducing and rendering them harmless. UV technology is an environmentally friendly method since it does not require chemical agents.
3. Ozone treatment
   Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that breaks down bacteria and viruses by damaging their cell walls. This process results in clean water free of harmful microorganisms.

The impact on plant health

Water treatment directly contributes to plant health. When irrigation water is clean, properly treated, and subsequently vital, oxygen-rich, and stored under optimal conditions, it provides several benefits to crops:

• Stronger roots: Purified water prevents root rot and other diseases.
• Optimal nutrient uptake: Vital water enhances nutrient absorption by the roots.
• Reduced crop loss: Removing pathogens significantly reduces the risk of infection and crop loss.
• Sustainable cultivation: Reusing drain water and fertilizers becomes safer and more efficient, supporting circular farming practices.

In short, water treatment is a vital component of modern horticulture. By investing in water treatment, growers not only improve crop quality but also contribute to sustainable and future-proof cultivation. "Proper water treatment lays the foundation for a successful harvest," Verduijn concludes.