- English
The Alentejo region in Portugal is known for its long sunny days, which create ideal conditions for the growth of high-quality olives. Irrigation water in the region is sourced from the Alqueva dam, and especially in the summer months it accumulates a high quantity of organic matter (algae, bacteria). This caused a problem for growers in the region specifically with drippers clogging, irrigation uniformity and soil oxygenation. To address this situation, one of the largest olive plantation companies in the region, with more than 2000 ha, turned to NaanDanJain Ibérica and HPNow for help in a super-intensive plantation of young olive trees (2 years old) of 160 hectares.
HPNow, together with its channel partner NaanDanJain Ibérica, were able to identify this accumulation of organic matter from the dam in the drip irrigation lines which led to two main issues:
1.Organic matter was blocking a substantial amount of drippers, and as a consequence the trees did not receive all water and fertilizer that they should.
n2.The organic matter consumed dissolved oxygen in the water, another essential nutrient for proper tree development.
These two issues led to a slower tree development, which was very visible in this young plantation and threatened viability of the operation.
To correct this situation, an HPGen™ system was installed at the plantation, producing Peroxide UltraPure™ that was injected in the drip lines of half of the plantation (80 ha). The other 80 ha did not receive any dosing.
Peroxide UltraPure™ had a dual effect in the olive field:
1. Oxidation of organic matter in the lines, which kept the drippers free of clogging and allowed plants to receive all the required water and fertilizer.
2. After Peroxide UltraPure™ is used for oxidation of organic matter, it becomes water and oxygen. This extra oxygen increases levels of dissolved oxygen in water, which acts as a nutrient and has a positive impact on development of the root system and plant health.
The response of the trees was monitored for a full growing season. The trees in the section with Peroxide UltraPure™ clearly had more vegetative growth, and the coloration on the leaves was also deeper, indicating improved nutrient absorption. When comparing yields, Peroxide UltraPure™ resulted in a higher production.
The farm manager expressed his enthusiasm about the solution: “With the HPGen system the olive trees look better, healthier, and all drippers are working. I noticed a much better irrigation uniformity, which translates to higher production”.
Better growth, higher yields
With those results, the olive trees are well irrigated and receive the nutrients they require, which clearly contributes to a better growth and higher olive yields. The results are explained by the oxidizing power of Peroxide UltraPure™, which will keep irrigation lines clear, while oxidizing organic matter in the irrigation lines and making extra oxygen available to the crop. This ensures irrigation lines are clean and drippers flowing, getting water and fertilizer uniformly throughout the field while at the same time improving plant nutrition.
About HPNow
HPNow addresses growing global challenges in clean water and sanitation through its range of on-site, autonomous, safe and sustainable hydrogen peroxide generation solutions. Headquartered in Copenhagen, and with representation across Europe, the Americas and Asia, they address their clients’ water treatment needs in market segments ranging from agriculture and aquaculture, to industrial and drinking water treatment. HPNow is a technology and market leader in on-site generation of hydrogen peroxide and is continuously striving to further advance its technology and products in order to meet growing market needs and rising global demand.
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