In the world of agriculture and horticulture, the impact of water quality on output cannot be overstated.

Poor quality water has the potential to wreak havoc, leading to increased morbidity and mortality in animals, low food conversion rates, and a surge in veterinary and antibiotic interventions.

Similarly, in horticulture, the presence of viruses or moulds in irrigation water can swiftly spread through crops, causing extensive damage in just a few hours. At Scotmas, we are the Chlorine Dioxide specialists dedicated to addressing these challenges and optimising agricultural and horticultural productivity.

Water Quality Challenges in Agriculture

Many agricultural producers conduct water supply tests at the point of entry, but this alone does not guarantee clean and bacteria-free water at the point of use. Agricultural and horticultural water distribution systems often involve long pipe runs with small narrow pipes, creating ideal conditions for the accumulation of bacterial contamination. Simply adding a disinfectant to the water supply is not a straightforward solution. While ensuring water is bacteria-free is crucial, it is equally important to choose a biocide that does not compromise the output.

The Ideal Solution: Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorine Dioxide emerges as the best combination of biocidal efficiency, environmental performance, and cost-effectiveness. With almost 40 years of expertise in the chemistry and its diverse applications, Scotmas is at the forefront of leveraging Chlorine Dioxide for agricultural and horticultural water treatment.

• Biocidal Efficiency: Chlorine Dioxide exhibits significantly lower oxidation strength and greater oxidation capacity than other oxidising biocides. This targeted disinfection power focuses precisely on disease-causing pathogens.
• Environmental Performance: Chlorine Dioxide can be used at exceptionally low dose rates compared to other biocides, minimising the impact on tanks, seals, and pipework. Moreover, Chlorine Dioxide does not create harmful disinfection by-products, and its solutions do not require specialist handling or disposal.
• Cost Effectiveness: The unique combination of very low dose rates, highly accurate dosing, and minimal environmental impact make Chlorine Dioxide the most cost-effective biocide available.

Scotmas Chlorine Dioxide Solutions in Agriculture and Horticulture

1. Chlorine Dioxide Tablets: Add tablets to water to create a disinfection solution. Ideal for shock disinfection of tanks and pipework or remote and mobile disinfection requirements.
2. Chlorine Dioxide Generators: Automated Chlorine Dioxide generation with minimal operator input. Disinfection solution is delivered directly to your tank or water line, offering constant dosing with minimal effort.

Results and Testing in Agriculture

Recent trials comparing Chlorine Dioxide water treatment against Chlorine in poultry and pig farms have shown remarkable results:

• In poultry farms, average daily water consumption increased by 9.48% for Chlorine Dioxide sites, with a reduction in mortality, growing days, and an increase in finished bird weight.
• In pig farms, Chlorine Dioxide sites exhibited a 4.53% greater total weight at trial end, a 4.10% greater average weight per pig, and a 2.58% increase in food conversion ratio.

Unlocking Agricultural and Horticultural Potential – Conclusion

Chlorine Dioxide stands as a versatile and powerful solution for optimising water quality in agriculture and horticulture. Scotmas is committed to providing tailored Chlorine Dioxide solutions that not only ensure bacteria-free water but also enhance productivity. Contact us to explore how our Chlorine Dioxide solutions can maximise the value of your crop without compromising on quality or environmental impact.