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Purifying water through ionization. The method is not new, but the product that FreshWater has developed is. What is particularly striking is the simplicity of the application and the low purchase price. Too good to be true? Not according to the growers who already use the product. “We should no longer convince each other that the use of chlorine and hydrogen peroxide is not so bad.”
Ionization is a proven method for purifying water. The healthcare sector has not done anything differently for years. It gave inventor Aad van der Starre the idea to also develop ionization applications for other sectors and he did so successfully. The systems from his company FreshWater have now become the standard in international poultry farming. And now it is also the turn of greenhouse horticulture. Because why wouldn’t it work there if it also turned out to be a success elsewhere?
In a natural way
It is up to sales consultants Ron Arends en Hans Smaal to convince horticulture. The pair can build on years of experience in the sector and firmly believe in the Freshwater ionizer. Smaal was a grower himself for many years and wishes he had used the product in his greenhouse during that time. “Growers now put so much effort and investment into getting the water in the greenhouse clar, but that is not necessary at all. It can also be done naturally through ionization. And that really doesn’t require a huge purification plant or UV technology”
The FreshWater water ionizer is a handy and energy-efficient pump that continuously releases ionization into the basin water. This creates nanobubbles. The nanobubbles provide an O2 connection with pathogens, causing
micro-organisms such as bacteria, algae and viruses are killed naturally. There is also less biofilm formation. “The great thing is that ionization offers long-term protection against micro-organisms,” says Smaal. “This keeps the water clean for longer. In addition, ionization ensures that the water is structured, making it easier for plants to absorb nutrients and also making them more resilient. So you empower the plant with its own DNA.”
Pay back in one year
The results in practice are spectacular, says Arends. “And as a user you run no risk whatsoever. Throw the pump in the water, turn it on and give it out for a week.
If it doesn’t work, you’ll get your money back. If you are satisfied, the investment can be recouped within a year. This is different at large treatment plants. While the result is no less.”
Smaal and Arends hope to shake up greenhouse horticulture with the innovative product. A number of companies are already adopted, including the PandA, Greenway and Vollering nurseries. “We should no longer convince each other that the use of chlorine and hydrogen peroxide is not so bad. With the FreshWater water ionizer, the water becomes completely clean and free of pathogens in a sustainable way. I dare say that we can start a revolution in horticulture.”
