Boost your yield potential with Intra Hydropure!

Increased yield with optimal water quality during the growing season

The end of the season is approaching, which means it's time to prepare the orchard for the winter period. One crucial step that is often overlooked is the proper cleaning of the fertigation system. In fruit orchards, the use of fertigation systems is becoming increasingly essential. Early application of fertilizers through the water system directly leads to increased yields. The advantages of the fertigation system are optimally realized when each dripper delivers the same water quality. Are all the drippers really delivering the same quality?

Throughout the season, the fertigation system transports a significant amount of water throughout the orchard. This water often contains soluble compounds, such as:

• Useful nutrients, like nitrogen and potassium;
• Minerals, like iron, calcium or manganese;
• Organic pollutants, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae.

Due to precipitation, the combination of these soluble compounds can lead to the formation of biofilm in the fertigation system. Severe pollution could result in blocked drippers, but even the slightest pollution can disrupt the distribution of water and nutrients throughout the orchard. There is a chance that nutrients will precipitate on the existing biofilm, causing trees at the end of the system to receive a completely different treatment than trees close to the pump.

How can you determine the presence of biofilm in your system? Simply remove a section of the pipeline and inspect the inner walls. You may observe the presence of pollution, as shown in the picture below, where iron and manganese deposition were found (Figure 1). Alternatively, if you prefer not to cut your pipelines, you can run your finger along the inside at the end of the line. If you feel a slimy layer, this indicates the presence of biofilm.

Figure 1: Iron- and manganese deposition in the irrigation lines before cleaning treatment.

Now it's time to clean the fertigation system and prepare for spring. Intra Hydropure, which is based on stabilized hydrogen peroxide and fortified with silver chelate, is well-suited for this task. This product effectively removes all types of pollution. Instead of using nitric or sulfuric acid, you can apply a 1% dosage of Intra Hydropure. The significant advantage of Intra Hydropure, in addition to removing iron deposits, is its ability to eliminate organic pollution. As a result, the pipelines will look like new after the cleaning process (Figure 2). Allow Intra Hydropure to remain in the irrigation system for at least 24 hours and rinse thoroughly before emptying the lines for the winter.

Figure 2: Clean pipelines after use of Intra Hydropure.

The use of Intra Hydropure offers the following advantages:

• Clean lines from beginning to end, preventing occasional blockages.
• Uniform water treatment throughout the entire season.
• No need to use nitric or sulfuric acid for winter cleaning, eliminating the risk of system corrosion.
• Promotes healthy trees with increased vitality.

Require more information on using Intra Hydropure and practical application in your specific situation? Please contact us.