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.

1. 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.

2. Up to 50% of otherwise lost nutrition is recovered and returned back to the feed operation system.

3. All fungi, viruses, bacteria and parasites are eliminated.

4. The makeup water demand is greatly reduced.