3
WAYS
T
CLEAN :
by Karen Lloyd
DISINFECTING HYDROPONIC WATER
62
Maximum Yield
A sure-fire way to quickly kill hydroponic
plants is through pathogens in the water
supply. By keeping water clean, growers
can practice environmental responsibility
while enjoying quality yields.
P
racticed around the world, hydroponics is
especially advantageous where climates
restrict plant growth, where low-quality soil won’t
support large-scale production, and in countries
where once fertile soil has been over-farmed. The
availability of fresh water is also an important
variable as clean, recycled water is a valuable
resource. Hydroponics reduces consumption of
fresh water from our already endangered water
supply — a recent report states agriculture uses
70 per cent of available fresh water, while industry
uses about 25 per cent and residential uses five
per cent worldwide. The benefits of recycled
hydroponic water for small and large operations
include cost savings and higher crop yields.
To reduce the risk of recycled water spreading
bacteria, viruses,