Water disinfection is now a routine part of modern greenhouse growing, with many growers now using technologies like UV light, ozone, or ultrafiltration to remove pathogens from irrigation or drain water, sometimes adding hydrogen peroxide for extra protection. In practice, these systems are often combined to achieve the best results.
After treatment, the water usually looks perfectly clean, and for a short time, it is. But appearances can be misleading, warns Robert de Hoo from Ultramins. "In reality, small amounts of living pathogens such as Pythium, Fusarium, and Agrobacterium often remain in the water. Once this treated water is stored in clean-water or drain tanks, these microorganisms find ideal conditions to multiply rapidly again."
© Ultramins
Stagnant water and fertilizers: a perfect breeding ground
Once water stops circulating (most often at night) microorganisms can begin multiplying rapidly. "In the day buffer or clean drain water tank, contamination often returns quickly, especially when fertilizers are present," explains Ultramins founder Robert de Hoo.
Nutrients left behind in the tank, such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium, phosphate, and organic matter, create ideal conditions for bacteria and fungi to grow. Within hours, the number of pathogens can surge, turning disinfected 'clean' water back into a source of contamination. "This means the very issue disinfection was meant to solve quietly makes its way back into the growing system," says de Hoo.
Continuously clean with cavitating ultrasound
Ultramins' USAF™ cavitating ultrasonic transmitters provide a long-term answer to this challenge, says founder Robert de Hoo. "Unlike one-time disinfection methods, these transmitters deliver continuous water treatment directly inside the storage tank. That's what truly sets this technology apart from conventional systems, which depend on 'point disinfection', where water must pass through the unit to be treated. The cavitation pressure waves constantly break down pathogens, stop biofilm from forming on tank and pipe walls, and keep the entire system clean."
Because the water entering the greenhouse piping is already free of microorganisms neutralized in the tank or drain, the pipes also stay much cleaner, de Hoo explains. For the best results, especially when water contact times are short, Ultramins recommends combining the USAF ultrasound with a treatment additive. "This combination achieves the highest possible level of water quality and reliability in greenhouse production. It also creates a synergistic effect that enhances the performance of UV or ultrafiltration systems while lowering maintenance costs," he adds.
Truly clean water up to the plant
Where traditional disinfection methods end, Ultramins' USAF ultrasonic transmitters go a step further, reaching the final stage before the greenhouse: the day buffer. "This means the entire water chain is protected, because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link," says Robert de Hoo.
With cavitating ultrasound, water doesn't just stay clean immediately after treatment, it remains clean all the way to the plants. "It's a lasting improvement in hygiene, sustainability, and reliability for growers," de Hoo emphasizes.
Ultramins also advises using USAF transmitters continuously in the reservoir to control algae, a growing problem in greenhouse water systems. "A thorough approach is key. The cleaner the water is at the start of the chain, the better the results throughout the entire system. The goal is simple: no more clogged filters, and all achieved without chemicals, using a sustainable technology," he says.
© UltraminsUSAF™ is a trademark of Luijkx Ultrasound B.V.
For more information:
Ultramins B.V.
+31(0) 85 023 10 97
[email protected]
www.ultramins.com
