A healthy root system starts with clean, oxygen-rich water. In the Netherlands, gerbera grower EveryD Flowers and bell pepper grower De Tuindershoek have both been looking for ways to further improve their water quality. Grower cooperative Oxin Growers installed Pro-Vida, a system developed by Aquamar that adds nanobubbles to water to raise its oxygen content, at De Tuindershoek. EveryD Flowers has since adopted the same system. Although the two companies faced different challenges, both report clear benefits from the technology.

From crop loss to stable cultivation
Bell pepper grower Job Kaashoek faced serious cultivation problems a few years ago. "We had a lot of problems in the peppers. We saw plant losses, and eventually plants died completely. First the roots would die off, then the whole plant," he says. An entire crop had to be cleared out prematurely.

The problems prompted a critical look at water management. Alongside other changes, including an ultrafiltration system and a different substrate, Pro-Vida was also installed. "We started looking at the oxygen level in the water. Especially in summer, when the water in storage gets warmer, it often contains less oxygen. That's an important factor for the plant."

According to Job, the combination of measures was decisive in the crop's recovery. "I sometimes compare it to the ingredients of a recipe. You need several ingredients to get it right. It's the combination of all these changes that has allowed us to grow without problems again."

Oxygen content clearly higher
Water quality has also played a key role at gerbera grower EveryD Flowers. Cultivation manager Hen Groenewegen says the company is continuously working on improvements related to water and root health. "We pay close attention to water quality, and you keep seeing improvements. The oxygen level in our water still had room to grow, and with Aquamar we wanted to take the next step."

EveryD Flowers has now been using Pro-Vida for about two years across all four of its locations. The company regularly measures oxygen levels and has seen a clear improvement. "We bought a meter and measure regularly. The oxygen level has definitely gone up. I'd estimate we've roughly doubled the values we had before."

Oxygen levels are also monitored continuously at De Tuindershoek. "We see that the oxygen level is at a good value, and we keep tracking it. In storage we're at around 120 percent, and at the drippers around 80 percent," Job says. "Oxygen-rich water is always good for your roots. It supports a healthy root system. It also helps limit opportunities for unwanted organisms, while beneficial organisms can thrive."

Clean pipework
Besides raising oxygen levels, keeping the water system clean is another important factor. Higher oxygen levels in the water can help limit fouling and unwanted growth inside pipes.

"Keeping the pipes clean is important," Job says. "All kinds of things can build up in the biofilm layer of your pipes, and harmful bacteria can grow there too. Anything that helps prevent problems is valuable."

Hen recognizes the same issue. At EveryD Flowers, Pro-Vida is part of a broader water quality strategy. "We also work with resilience-boosting products. We've scaled that back somewhat, but not stopped entirely. It's a combination of measures: oxygen, water quality, and keeping the system clean."

Confidence in the technology
For both growers, the system's practical ease of use was also a factor in choosing Pro-Vida, alongside its performance. "The communication and simplicity of the system appealed to us," Job says. "Water is drawn from the storage tank, passes through the unit, has oxygen added, and returns to the tank. On top of that, it's cost-effective."

Hen also cites the balance between investment and results as an important consideration. "The value for money was good. It's affordable for the results you get in return."

Following these positive experiences, Oxin Growers has installed a second Pro-Vida unit at another De Tuindershoek location. "That says something about the confidence we have in it."

Source - https://www.floraldaily.com