Ozone for Vertical Farming

Ozone for vertical farming is an excellent organic fungicide and biocide. In addition to its high efficiency and the advantages of not leaving chemical residues on the leaves, ozone help plant and root growth and increases dissolved oxygen in plants.
About 90% of the water used worldwide is for agriculture. Ozone helps reduce the amount of water used and helps inactivate viruses and bacteria. Also, help to reduce the use of pesticides and reduce crop losses.
Ozone is a highly reactive molecule that can kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. It is an effective alternative to traditional water treatments that use chemicals.

Common Problems in Vertical Farming

Algae, plants material, soils, nutrient build-up
Bacteria and pathogens begin to grow in a protected environment
Outbreak
Plant yield deteriorates
Fouling increases

Applications of Ozone in Horticulture

The horticulture industry is now realizing the benefits of ozone. Farmers are currently using an ozone water treatment to disinfect water (recycled or fresh). Ozone water treatment is an alternative to water disinfection with less environmental impact. Also, ozone water is used to increase production yield and prevent contamination of irrigation water.

Some applications of ozonated water in horticulture are:

Irrigation to kills bacteria and microorganisms which damage the plant since its germination stage and removal of moulds, root rot, and fungi.
Pretreatment (sterilization) of soils before sowing.
Immersion of soil pots in ozonated water for disinfection of cuttings.
Treatment of water used for irrigation to remove algae, heavy metals (such as iron and manganese), and related bacteria (e.g. iron bacteria, mangano-bacteria, etc.) present in artificial basins and maximum reuse of water
Greenhouse spraying for the reduction and elimination of insects and pests.
Washing of fruits and vegetables to ensure maximum hygiene and prolongation of their freshness and shelf life after harvest.

Ozone Advantages for vertical farming

When ozonated water is used for plant growth, the ozone promotes healthy root development, reduces plant stress, and increases overall plant vitality. This is because ozone systems helps increase oxygen availability in the soil, which is essential for plant and root growth. The increased oxygen levels also help to reduce the number of harmful bacteria and fungi in the ground, which can cause plant diseases.

There are several advantages to using ozone for vertical farming:

A strong Oxidant, a lower ozone dosage for a short reaction time in the irrigation water, is enough to control mould, yeast, and bacteria.
No residual, and there is no need for a stabilizer or extra filtration stages.
Increases O2 levels.
Increased absorption.
Reduced feeding.
Reduced amount of freshwater.
Reduced risk of disease.

In conclusion, ozonated water can be a valuable tool for gardeners promoting healthy plants and reducing disease risk. Whether you’re growing tomato plants or any other type of plant, ozonated water can help to improve root development, reduce plant stress, and increase overall plant vitality. Just be sure to handle ozone properly and follow the recommended ozone water treatments for the best results.