Actual

Stop algae growth at your nursery- 6 important tips!

Written by ErfGoed | Nov 24, 2022 11:55:07 AM

If your plants are growing well, algae will also grow well. This is because algae - like plants - love water, light, nutrition, and temperature. In all these areas, it is important to give algae as little chance as possible. Here are some important tips for decreasing algae growth, focusing on the water component.

#1 Keep the water moving

Our hygiene protocol lists some preventive measures you could take to prevent algae growth. Keeping the water moving is very important. This keeps more air in the water, which means algae have less chance to grow. For example, you can use venturi techniques to accomplish this.

#2 Make sure the water is cool

The cooler the water, the higher the oxygen content and the less likely algae will grow. However, keeping the water cool is not always easy. Adding cooler water to the return water coming back from the greenhouse may be a possible solution.

#3 Cover silos and water basins

Water, nutrition, and temperature are always present. But by eliminating the factor of light, you make it a lot harder for algae. This can be done very simply by covering your water silos and basins.

#4 Work as clean as possible

Keep the quality of your water in order. A good filter can help with this. If the cultivation floor does get dirty, clean it regularly and thoroughly. This can be done, for example, with the ErfGoedFloor Cleaner+. This sprays hot water at high pressure onto the cloth, after which the dirty water is vacuumed up.

#5 Maintain an active climate

Don't only keep the water active but also the greenhouse climate. Good air circulation reduces the chance of algae growth. Among other things, you can use fans for this purpose. And soon, aeration in the ErfGoedVloer can also help with this.

#6 Add cleaning agents to the water

Adding peroxide to the water reduces algae growth, but biological agents can also be effective. Consider copper, for example. Note: It is important not to combine these agents. And add the agents only after the fertilizer has already been added to the water. In addition, dose in a targeted manner. Read more about this on our website.

Want to read more about water management for growers? Download our white paper on water management!