Stoffels Tomaten has experienced some difficult years in recent years with root problems and virus issues, among others. In search of improvements, the water system was thoroughly overhauled. "We actually did three things, with the investment in nano-bubble equipment being the most prominent," says Paul Stoffels.
The owner of the tomato growing company purchased two Agrona nano-bubble systems from Agrona for the ten-hectare site in Rijkevorsel last summer. "We started looking at everything very critically. Nothing was allowed to go wrong anymore," the growers looked back about a year later. The result of all the efforts this year can be seen. The rooting of the tomato plants alone is "better than ever."
That very rooting was a point of concern last year. Because, like many tomato growers, there were also virus problems in recent years, it was difficult for Stoffels to unravel the exact causes of the problems. Oxygen measurements, though, clearly showed that there were gains to be made here.
The nano-bubble equipment
Low oxygen levels
At the ten-hectare site in Rijkevorsel, the tomato grower works with a drain water heater for water disinfection. "A long time ago, I think twenty years back already, we invested in this. We grow on coconut. As a result, our drain water is a bit cloudier than when growing on, say, rock wool. That made UV disinfection of our drain water more difficult."
Paul is satisfied with the heater. It is reliable but also has a drawback. "Heating with temperatures over ninety degrees Celsius does remove oxygen from the water." Measurements at growers' premises last year also showed this. Nadir Laaguili of Agrona has the figures ready. "Especially in one of the silos near the heater, the water temperature was on the high side. At the start-up of the Agrona nano-bubble systems, we measured oxygen levels of 4.8 ppm and 23 ppm immediately after start-up. Even in the silo with the warmer water, we achieved 22 ppm."
Tomatoes in the greenhouse
"Doing something structural"
By dosing hydrogen peroxide, growers were already trying to get oxygen levels up. "But last year, we decided to really do something structural." The tomato grower was already familiar with nano-bubble technology. "We had also been toying with the idea of adding oxygen to our pouring water for some time." A new year of problems gave the final push to invest. The simple but effective way the Agrona nano-bubble system works appealed to Paul. "Straightforward."
More and more growers are choosing to use nano-bubbles. The Agrona nano-bubble system can be used for all crops and substrate crops, says Nadir. "It's about the root system being strengthened, not the substrate you are working in. Thanks to the optimal soil life and extra oxygen, your roots are healthier in color, and you keep the crop more vibrant. That's exactly where we can make a difference."
"Started cleaner than ever"
At the same time as investing in the nano-bubble technology, other pain points were also addressed at Stoffels Tomaten. Partly thanks to the investment in a new CHP, the heater has been fitted differently, guaranteeing that the high temperatures required for disinfection are again achieved. Growers also now choose to dose hydrogen peroxide after water disinfection. The growers did not do that before. "We have now perfected everything," he says.
At the end of cultivation in 2022, "a gigantic cleaning campaign" took place. "We started this year's cultivation cleaner than ever." Stoffels Tomaten is growing resistant varieties this year. These are growing well, Paul notes with satisfaction. "The varieties are meeting expectations." Altogether, he says, contribute to this year's crop going well, with the investment in the nano-bubble system being the most structural step. "The oxygen content in our pouring water is spectacularly high now, any time this year. This is where the nano-bubbles make a big difference."
For more information:
Nadir Laaguili 
Agrona B.V.
Tel.: + 31 (0) 6 21515915
Tel.: + 31 (0) 10 7371451
[email protected]
www.agronagroup.com
Stoffels Tomaten 
[email protected]
www.stoffels-tomaten.be