Clearly the success of a hydroponics crop depends on the quality of the water being used to grow the plants. Water parameters that have a direct impact on crop success include
- Oxygen level : low levels limit plant growth.
- Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) concentration: High levels reduce fertiliser effectiveness and promotes growth of anaerobic bacteria.
- Microbial loading : High levels of bacteria in the water compete with the plants for nutrients. Root born pathogens are detrimental to plant health.
- Algae growth.
The benefits of ozone to hydroponics are
- The elimination of H2S.
- The increase in oxygen levels.
- The elimination of microbes, algae and root born pathogens including powdery mildew, Fusarium and Pythium.
- Savings on chemical fertilisers.
- Higher crop yields.
- All water is recycled; sewer/dumping charges are virtually eliminated. Only in the case of elevated salt content due to extensive evaporation, a blow down may be required, usually only after many months of operation.
- Up to 50% of otherwise lost nutrition is recovered and returned back to the feed operation system.
- All fungi, viruses, bacteria and parasites are eliminated.
- The makeup water demand is greatly reduced.



