Ozone Applications in Soil Sterilization:
Chemicals used to destroy soil pests disrupt the biological balance of the soil and plants, reducing the plants’ ability to fight pests and diseases. Since the use of chemicals, pest control has become a growing problem. The reason is that soil pests, especially nematodes, become immune to chemicals after a certain period of time. The residues left in the soil after fumigation with various chemicals such as methyl bromide and hydrogen peroxide are taken into the human body through plants and are transformed into non-volatile bromides in the body, and the residues accumulate in human blood and tissues; therefore, the use of these chemicals has been banned ALL OVER THE WORLD.
The reason why ozone soil sterilization is especially preferred in the agricultural sector today is that it protects both the chemical and biological balance of the soil and the biological balance of the plants. In addition, ozone is much more effective than existing chemicals because its oxidation power is very high and it is the strongest disinfectant known. Ozone gas has a very short reaction time. For this reason, it shows an instant effect in the application environment and completes disinfection with a shorter contact time than other disinfectants. It is also an important factor that it eliminates residues in the soil from previously used chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and methyl bromide. Since ozone is produced only from electricity and air, it does not have the problem of being transported or stored like harmful chemicals.
Ozone Applications in Soilless Agriculture Greenhouses:
The high humidity and warmth of the ambient air in greenhouses make the environment optimum for the development of microorganisms and the formation of plant disease agents. For this reason, while first purifying the environment from disease-causing microorganisms in greenhouses, it is also necessary to prevent contamination from outside with water or air.
Microbial pollution formed in the environment where the plant is grown in greenhouses negatively affects the yield obtained from the plant. Ozonation of the irrigation water used both prevents microbial contamination by disinfecting the water and sterilizes plant environments such as soil and viol thanks to the ozone given to the environment with the water. An effective disinfection is achieved especially with the use of ozonated water in the form of dripping or springing. When ozone is applied in gaseous form in an empty greenhouse area, it cleans the ambient air by purifying it from microorganisms and increases the oxygen concentration, allowing the plant to breathe easily.
Since ozone decomposes into oxygen after completing its duty, it does not leave any residue. For this reason, it is used safely in the agricultural sector.
Ozone Applications in the Floriculture Industry:
In the floristry industry, extending the life span of flowers is very important. The use of ozone gas is the most ideal method to extend the life of cut flowers in storage. Temperature, humidity, disease and ethylene gas formation in storage negatively affect flowers. Ozone eliminates ethylene gas. It creates a safe storage environment for many types of cut flowers. Ozone also prevents the spread of disease to other flowers by destroying microorganisms in the air.
Ozone Applications in Mushroom Cultivation:
Since mushrooms are fungi themselves, they are very sensitive to chemicals used to destroy diseases.
Since ozone is a safe water additive, it is also approved for safe use in foods. It is used safely to clean growing rooms and crops. Using ozone is much easier and safer than using chemicals. The high concentration of ozone in water is used as an effective disinfectant in mushroom growing rooms before filling. Ozone in the air destroys microorganisms and disease-causing spores. An additional benefit is that when ozone water has finished its function, it turns back into oxygen and supports the product.
Ozone Applications in the Seed Industry:
In seed production, the seed must not contain any pathogenic organisms. This is one of the most important factors in obtaining healthy and productive products. In order to ensure this, companies try to provide various disinfectants in the production process before the final packaging of the seeds. This increases the operating cost.
The most effective and economical solution in this regard is the disinfection of the seed, the production environment air and other used equipment with ozone. Ozone can be used as ozonated water or in gaseous form in the ambient air like other disinfectants in the seed production process.