In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, advancements in technology continue to reshape the way we cultivate and protect our crops. Among these breakthroughs, ozone treatment for irrigation water has emerged as a game-changer, delivering an array of benefits that span across various cultivation methods. While the hydroponic community has long embraced this technology, recent success stories in open field applications, particularly in basil cultivation, are beginning to draw attention and spark enthusiasm.
One notable example is the collaboration between Ecofarm, a Verona-based company specializing in ozone machines for irrigation water treatment, and La Felina farm, owned by Bonati Giuseppe. La Felina farm, nestled in the plains of the province of Parma, has been cultivating basil for over three decades, making it a seasoned player in the field of agriculture. The partnership between these two entities has yielded promising results, shedding light on the potential of ozone treatment in open field scenarios.
Alessia Bonati of La Felina farm shares her perspective on the recent developments: “We have been using ozone treatments for basil cultivation for several years, but this year, in partnership with Ecofarm, we applied the water treatment system directly to the irrigation system, with very encouraging results.”
The impact of this innovative approach becomes apparent when considering the reduced need for traditional treatments against downy mildew. Last year, the farm faced challenges, especially in July, due to this stubborn issue. However, with the ozone treatment integrated into the irrigation system, the need for such interventions diminished significantly. More impressively, the technology played a crucial role in shielding the crop from a severe hailstorm, showcasing the resilience of the plants and the overall health of the basil.
The success of this venture has prompted the owners of La Felina farm to contemplate extending the ozone treatment to all their crops. This decision is rooted in the tangible benefits observed during this year’s basil harvest, confirming that ozone treatment could be the key to sustainable and resilient crop management.
To share their experiences and findings, La Felina farm and Ecofarm will be presenting the results of their ozone treatment application during a workshop scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 15:30. This workshop is part of the Orticultura Tecnica in Campo event in Guidizzolo (MN, Italy). Additionally, university research results will be unveiled during the same workshop, providing further validation of the practical successes achieved by farmers who have embraced this groundbreaking technology in their agricultural practices.
As the agricultural community eagerly awaits the insights to be shared during the workshop, it is clear that ozone treatment for irrigation water is not only a viable option for hydroponics but also holds tremendous potential in safeguarding open field crops, as demonstrated by the promising outcomes of La Felina farm and Ecofarm’s collaborative efforts. The fusion of technology and traditional farming practices has never been more promising, ushering in a new era of crop protection and sustainable agriculture.
More on this subject can be found here: https://www.freshplaza.com/europe/article/9594698/how-irrigation-ozone-treatment-can-protect-basil/
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