Hybrid treatment systems for water management in the greenhouse and container nursery sectors

Session: 39. - Managing Agriculture Water and Nutrients - Science Solutions for Tomorrows BMPs

Ann Huber, The Soil Resource Group, [email protected]
Jeanine West, Flowers Canada (Ontario) Inc, [email protected]

Abstract

Ontario’s greenhouse and container nursery industry includes over 2500 operations, 1200 ha of greenhouse and 11000 ha of nursery/sod production, and in 2016 accounted for over half of the $3.5 billion in sales reported for the sector in Canada.

However, these industries depend heavily on water and nutrients. Nutrient concentrations in irrigation water can range from detection levels to over 200ppm NO₃-N and 50ppm total P depending on the type of operation.  Growers are committed to water and nutrient conservation and environmental stewardship, but optimizing water and nutrient use by recirculating comes with the added risks of spreading plant pathogens via recycled irrigation water.  The industry needs affordable, flexible options for disease, nutrient and water management.

Woodchip denitrifying bioreactors are a proven technology for the removal of NO₃-N but can also significantly decrease plant pathogen populations. Constructed wetlands have long been used to remove a range of contaminants with varying degrees of success. By combining these technologies with phosphorus-removal media to enhance the wetland component, we have developed ‘hybrid treatment systems’ to provide site-specific solutions to either a) clean water to acceptable environmental levels and/or b) disinfect water for recovery and re-use in the farming operation.

1. Keyword
water quality

2. Keyword
nutrients

3. Keyword
management

4. Additional Keyword
greenhouse

5. Additional Keyword
treatment and reuse