Soil-less cultivation is one of the fastest-growing sectors in modern agriculture. With the constant challenge of maintaining healthy plants and clean water systems, growers are turning to innovative solutions that are both effective and sustainable. Among these, ozone – a natural element with powerful disinfectant properties – is quickly becoming a trusted ally.
Today, more than 150 hectares of soil-less crops across Europe are grown with the support of ozone technology, and this number is steadily climbing.
Why Ozone?
Ozone is not new to agriculture, but its controlled and safe use in greenhouses and nurseries has accelerated in recent years. Farmers are recognizing ozone not just as a disinfectant, but as a comprehensive tool for crop management and productivity.
Giorgio Zaffani, a biotechnologist at Ecofarm Storti – an Italian company specializing in ozone use for agriculture – highlights the shift:
“Over the past two years, we have seen an increase in requests from both nurseries and companies growing horticultural soil-less crops, mainly tomatoes and cucumbers, but also aubergines and peppers. Farmers are discovering the concrete benefits of ozone: not only for water disinfection, but also for the improvement of overall crop management and production yields.”
How It Works
Ecofarm Storti has developed a modular ozone treatment system capable of handling large volumes of water quickly and efficiently. The system:
- Sanitizes irrigation water before it reaches crops.
- Cleans filters, drippers, and irrigation pipes—removing biofilm, a common source of pathogens.
- Treats drain water to prevent recontamination.
In some cases, ozone treatment begins at the water source, offering full protection of production systems. The result? Healthier crops, fewer losses, and significant economic returns for producers.
Proven Across Europe
What started in Italy has expanded into Austria and Switzerland, where greenhouse growers of tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, peppers, and even strawberries are seeing the benefits firsthand.
Beyond Hygiene: Boosting Plant Health
The advantages of ozone extend well beyond sanitization:
- Oxygen-rich nutrient solutions: Ozone saturates water with oxygen and releases free radicals, leading to improved root development.
- Stronger root systems: With better oxygenation, plants absorb nutrients more efficiently.
- Faster, healthier growth: Crops assimilate nutrients quicker, grow more vigorously, and show greater resistance to root diseases.
- No residue: Ozone breaks down naturally, leaving behind no chemicals in the crop or the environment.
As Zaffani explains:
“Plants grow faster, assimilate nutrients better, and are less prone to root diseases, all without leaving any residue in the environment or on the crop.”
A Smart Investment
The system is custom-designed for each farm, easy to install, and requires only electricity to run. For most farmers, the return on investment comes in just 12–24 months, thanks to reduced crop losses and higher yields.
Final Thoughts
With rising demand for cleaner, more sustainable food production, ozone is proving to be a game-changer in soil-less agriculture. By improving water quality, enhancing plant health, and boosting yields, this natural technology is helping farmers across Europe grow more with less—while keeping their operations environmentally friendly.
At Oxidation Technologies, we provide the ozone systems, accessories, and expertise to bring these same benefits to growers everywhere. If you’re interested in learning how ozone can transform your operation, contact us today.
Read the entire article here: https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9753130/over-150-hectares-of-above-ground-crops-in-europe-use-ozone-to-sanitise/
