Aqua-4D
Higher yields and better quality with Swiss irrigation tech
Swiss cleantech company Aqua-4D Water Solutions developed a water treatment system for efficient use of irrigation water. The Aqua-4D system is based on an electronic device generating dedicated electromagnetic signals (the “brain” of the system), and treatment units which transmit these signals throughout the irrigation water network, instantly and constantly. The system is modular according to the flow rate to be treated.
The effects consist in a modification of the physical water properties, which leads to a finer and more homogeneous repartition of salts and nutrients. They remain in a dissolved form, they are more easily absorbed by the plants and the excess trickles down under the rhizosphere. There is no more crystallization of salts in the soil pores damaging the plant. The improved water retention allows water savings.
Thus, Aqua-4D allows the use of saline irrigation water while maintaining high yields. Apart from an average 20% increase in production, 25% water savings and 30% fertilizer savings, there is also a leaching effect on already salt saturated soils.
Agricola Faomosa, a Brazilian producer of melons, has installed an Aqua-4D system. In addition to melon, they also produce watermelon, papaya, banana, passionfruit, asparagus and more. "We obtained a 10-20 percent higher productivity than we normally get, an increase of fruit export quality percentage, and of course a diminution of fruit disposal," according to Richard Müller, CFO Agricola Famosa.
For more information:
Aqua-4D Water Solutions SA
Technopole 5, 3960 Sierre, Switzerland
+41 27 480 30 35
www.aqua4d-irrigation.com