A research in favour of the gas ozone as a substitute for plant protection common in the field

The oxidizing effect of ozone gas can combat pests and soil of crop diseases, which would be preserved to the same chemicals. In particular, the technological centre Itagra of Palencia, studies, through a pilot project, to what extent the use of ozone in the disinfection of farmland is effective. In fact, sources of the Centre have ensured that most of the compounds used are starting to ban due to their degree of danger to the environment and the professional who applies. Thus, the research, funded by the Ministry of agriculture and livestock of Castilla y León, is based on this "pretty intense" oxidizing feature of ozone that puts tested in early trials on sandy land of Strawberry cultivation. The reason lies in the strawberry has serious symptoms of contamination due to the presence of microorganisms. Thus, the project aims to verify whether this methodology is effective for the disinfection of the soil, which would replace other chemical treatments. Promising results have been achieved to date, although continues testing with varying doses of ozone. The gas is applied in two ways; on the one hand, spreads in the air through a diffuser, and on the other hand, is injected directly into the soil.

Currently, researchers are awaiting the results of the first sieve of during which apply different treatments and tests are ozonizan the fields of test. At this stage, the aerobic microorganisms Mesophiles are analysed, i.e. the total flora composed of bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts, strict or facultative aerobes that are characterized by thermal characteristics intermediate. Subsequently, shall be verified in the presence of molds and yeasts or nematodes, and used the technique of the respirometría, indicator of biological activity in the soil, which is measured the spending of oxygen by micro-organisms.

Among the main advantages of this technology to decontaminate soils, cited the possibility of producing ozone with a team specialized in the field itself and the absence of waste that would go up into the atmosphere. However, some technical difficulties may hinder their development. For example, that a large concentration of ozone is needed to make it effective in the area of the roots, especially in the case of the strawberry, as recognized sources of the Itagra. In addition, the ozone equipment available in the market are too expensive and consume much electricity. To date, the introduction of this technology is not feasible unless an ozonator is set to the scope of the sector.