Did you know that excessive algae growth can decrease water quality and affect crop yield? Excessive algae growth is bad for farmers, gardeners, or irrigation or watering professionals. cooling tower maintenance.
Preventing algae growth is one of the functions of treating water intended for irrigation.. Irrigation water treatment is the process of removing or reducing contaminants or harmful substances present in water.
What are algae and why do they appear?
Algae are aquatic organisms and are among the oldest on the planet. They are classified as plants and are known as sea plants.
These organisms are divided into:
- Unicellular (simple).
- multicellular (composed of several cells).
In addition, they are capable of producing their own organic matter from inorganic substances such as carbon, which they feed on. This feeding capacity is the basis of photosynthesis in these organisms.
Algae are usually visible to the naked eye and are usually greenish or brown in color. In addition to the above classification, These can be divided according to their source of nutrition, their morphology or their habitat.
For example, there are certain types of algae that adapt to small surfaces such as an aquarium or an irrigation canal, while others can be found in large surfaces such as lakes, dirty ponds, seas and oceans.
Algae are an important part of the ecosystem and life on the planet. The reason is that They are used as a food source by other animals, in addition to providing nutrients to the surrounding water.
Humans are paying attention to these organisms both to feed on them and to benefit from them as a source of energy and nutrients for agriculture.
However, excessive algae growth can be harmful to both humans and animals. Therefore, It is important to know how to identify and manage algae growth to preserve any liquid surfaces where they can grow.
An algae is not a harmful substance per se, unless there is too much of it. The excessive presence of algae can cause serious problems in the ecosystems where they grow.
Factors affecting rapid algae growth
The problem with these organizations is that grow rapidly, especially in summer and when there are certain favorable conditions of humidity, concentration of stagnant water or excessive nutrients in the environment.
These three factors that cause algae growth are the following:
- High temperatures: hence they grow more in summer.
- The existence of many nutrients in the water. The presence of minerals and gases such as phosphorus and nitrogen favor the proliferation of algae on aquatic surfaces. Phosphorus and nitrogen are nutrients that in large quantities promote the growth of algae..
- Still or stagnant water. The stagnant liquid encourages the growth of these marine plants, which are not bad per se, but they must be controlled since a large presence of them affects the quality of the water and causes a lower yield of the crops.
Eliminating algae and treating irrigation water: what is most effective?
One of the most effective ways to prevent algae growth is a correct treatment of irrigation water. This is of utmost importance for professionals who depend on water.
For instance, Farmers and gardeners depend on irrigation to do their work.The best water treatment methods to prevent algae growth depend on the location of application.
It is not the same to use them in a cesspool than in a pool or a pond. In addition, the product to be used must be able not only to clean and remove algae, but also to prevent obstructions in pipes, pumps and filters that operate in irrigation or in a pool.
To avoid all this It is necessary to know how to carry out water treatment control through the use of specific products.
Chemical-based water treatment products
Some water treatment methods use chemical-based compounds that are mixed with water and then allowed to separate out unwanted elements.
Physical cleaning procedures
Other methods use physical processes, such as filtration or clarification, which rely more on the physical properties of water than on chemical reactions.
Regardless of the specific method used, The overall goal of water treatment is to provide safe, clean drinking water for the crop.
The most effective is the use of products formulated with quaternary ammonium which is more efficient, resistant and durable than other products that use copper sulphate.
An example of a Product for the treatment of algae control and bad odors in irrigation systems is our article Peach Design BR 15 capable of keeping the irrigation system clean.
In addition to clearing stagnant water residue, it also removes bad odors.
Water maintenance treatment: aspects to take into account
The first thing these professionals need to know is that algae contamination can cause illness in humans.
Also, not only can they cause diseases, but also bad odors, as well as being dangerous for water consumption or even causing a shortage of drinking water.
For all these reasons, it is advisable to follow the following recommendations when applying a product or treatment:
- Plants and crops should be watered routinely at the right time and in the right amount to stay healthy. This amount is affected by the presence or absence of aquatic organisms.
- It is more convenient to use automatic irrigation systems. Hence, the importance of disposing of the product where the water source originates.
- It is advisable to take into account the presence of sludge and mud that accumulates in pipes and sprinkler systems.
- The origin of water: It is not the same thing if plants are sprayed with wastewater as with potable or underground water, since its origin affects the growth of algae to a greater extent.
- Whenever possible it is advisable to use filters for irrigation.
- The use of chemical treatments should be consulted by professionals.
As you can see, when choosing an appropriate irrigation water treatment for your crop, it is important to take into account the factors mentioned above.
So now you know, if you want to have a profitable and healthy harvest you should avoid the growth of algae and aquatic organisms as much as possible.
And for this, Nothing better than an algaecide or specific product for treating irrigation water.