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Agricultural Fact Sheet

Everyone knows the importance of oxygen

in soil….

Any crop grows much better with rainwater than with irrigation water. This observation

indicates a clear difference between rainwater and other irrigation water such as river-,

dam- and borehole water. The difference lies in the oxygen composition of the water, but

more specifically the presence of different forms of activated oxygen (O3, O4, O5, .… OX) in

rainwater.

How does the oxygen difference originate? The air in our atmosphere contains 20.8%

oxygen (O2). There are different frequencies of UV rays from the sun which each has its

own function. As the specific frequency shines through the atmosphere, the oxygen (O2) is

changed to activated oxygen (O5, O7, O11, …. OX). During the precipitation process the

activated oxygen becomes part of the raindrops, after which this oxygen enriched water

reaches the soil.

Many farmers are of the opinion that improved plant growth is due to the presence of

nitrogen in rain water. However, Nitrogen fixation in the atmosphere happens only when

there is lightning activity, and general rainwater (without lightning) contains relatively low

levels of fixated nitrogen. Improved plant growth is the direct result of oxygen enriched

rainwater which infiltrates the soil and creates an aerobic climate.

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What is Ozone?

Ozone is a composition which naturally occurs in the atmosphere. This activated oxygen

molecule consists of three combined oxygen atoms.

3 O2 + (radiation) → 2 O3

Three oxygen molecules are required to form two ozone molecules.

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Ozone (O3) is highly unstable and attempts to return to its natural form (O2) as soon as

possible. The additional oxygen atom reacts (through oxidation) with anything that is

present in the water. Oxidation can happen with metals, organic materials and even living

tissue. Ozone is a strong oxidising agent and is nature’s way to get rid of toxic gasses in the

atmosphere.

The Puricare Agricultural Unit

The unit is used to imitate nature and convert standard irrigation water into water that acts

as efficiently as rainwater.

How does the Puricare Agricultural Unit work?

Ozone (O3) and activated oxygen (O5, O7, O11, …. OX) are produced in a natural way when a

specific air volume, at a specific flow velocity, moves past a UV light with a specific

frequency. The oxygen in the air is irradiated to form ozone (O3) and activated oxygen (O5,

O7, O11, …. OX) which are dissolved into irrigation water through a combination of pressure

pumps, sputniks and venturis. Due to the high pressure under which the ozone and oxygen

are kept during the inflow to the system, the gasses are dissolved in the water. Thereafter

peroxide is added to the ozone enriched water. The Puricare Agricultural Unit enables

advanced oxidisation processes (GOP or peroxide) to happen in the irrigation water where

hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) activates (catalyses) and accelerates the reactions.

What are the features of the Puricare Agricultural Unit?

The unit consists of 3 main components, which are: UV light(s), an activated oxygen

dispensing mechanism and a hydrogen peroxide dispensing pump.

The Puricare Agricultural Unit can be installed on any irrigation system (flood-, sprinkler-,

pivot-, micro-, hydroponic irrigation system etc.) and treats all types of irrigation water.

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The Puricare Agricultural Unit cannot cause corrosion of irrigation systems

When activated oxygen is dissolved in irrigation water, advanced oxidisation processes take

place with metals, minerals, bacteria and virrusses which are present in the water. The

applied dosage is so low that no residual free ozone/activated oxygen remains to react with

the irrigation system (pipes, galvanised fittings, rubbers etc.) and the treated water therefor

does not act corrosively. No activated oxygen is present in the water by the time it reaches

the drippers, only oxygen enriched water. Our units also do not create nitris oxides, which

can cause corrosion of irrigation systems.

A typical installation where 2 400 000 litres per hour is treated. There is no

limit on the volume of water that can be treated.

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Corrosion of irrigation systems is mainly due to the high electrolytic content of the water,

e.g. water from the Vaal river has a higher electrolytic content than irrigation water from the

Orange river, which causes irrigation systems to rust. The Puricare Agricultural Unit’s

advanced oxidisation processes balance the electrolytic effect of the water and no corrosion

takes place.

Primary benefits for Agriculture

The continuous cleaning of irrigation systems

Oxidation of deposits in the irrigation system starts immediately and can take between three

weeks to six months, depending on how blocked the system is, and how frequently irrigation

takes place.

Further advantages:

- Less blocked drippers saves labour and leads to a higher efficiency of the

irrigation system.

- The cleaner irrigation system lowers the workload at the pump and saves electricity.

- A shorter irrigation cycle saves electricity.

- Filters stay cleaner for a longer period of time.

- The lifespan of the irrigation system is prolonged and maintenance costs are

lowered.

Untreated & Treated

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The Puricare Agricultural Unit releases low concentrations of ozone which causes the

deposits to be oxidised from the centre of the pipes to the sides over a period of time.

These ozone concentrations are too low to break the bond between the deposits and the

irrigation pipes, and will not cause larger deposits and blocked irrigation pipes.

Improved water quality

The activated oxygen, with which the irrigation pipes are cleaned, is dissolved in the

irrigation water and improves the water quality.

- The pH of the water improves due to the oxidation of minerals and salts.

- The oxygen enriched water infiltrates and penetrates the soil faster due to an

improved crystal structure.

- Less run-off and evaporation of applied water.

- Water consumption is more efficient.

- This leads to a decrease in water applications.

- The activated oxygen in the water oxidises harmful minerals, making the water more

easily absorbable to plants.

- Bacteria, viruses and other harmful organisms in the water can be oxidised and

infections can decrease.

Improved soil quality

The Puricare Agricultural Unit aims to return soil conditions back to its natural balance. The

application of oxygen enriched irrigation water increases the oxygen levels in the soil,

enlarges the porous between the soil particles, which leads to better aeration of the soil,

improves the soil pH and structure, reduces compacted soil conditions and ensures better

absorption of water.

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Secondary benefits of improved soil quality:

- The soil’s resistance to root growth is diminished and better root growth takes place

- resulting in better absorption of water and nutrients.

- Soil organisms and micro life in the soil are stimulated. Where stress conditions exist,

(e.g. compact soil, element toxicity etc.) a higher concentration of pathogenic or

disease causing organisms can be found. When the soil quality is restored, the

concentration of beneficial microbes in the soil increases, and a balance is achieved

between the positive and negative soil organisms.

- Better water absorption and less run-off, is achieved by improved soil quality.

- Applied fertilizer is more effective due to it being more accessible for root growth

through oxidation and increased organism activities. Increased accumulation of

fertilizer and other nutrients in the soil are also oxidised to a biodegradable form

more accessible to plants.

Untreated and Treated

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- Where plant material is applied as mulch, an increase in the organic material content

of the soil is obtained. Activated oxygen can break down organic materials to carbon

level, but due to the fact that there is no more activated oxygen in the water by the

time it reaches the drippers, the oxygen enriched water can only stimulate the

microbe life to break down the mulch to organic carbon.

Improved root growth

A well-developed root system is indispensible for crop production, since plants absorb most

of their nutrients and water through their roots. The high oxygen content in the root zone

(rhizosphere), the lower resistance of the soil against root growth and better availability of

nutrients are factors which contribute to an improved root system.

Plant roots are healthier, root hair growth is stimulated and the root periphery is increased

by the use of the Puricare Agricultural Unit.

Improved soil quality Mulch under peach trees

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A favourable environment is created for the symbiotic growth of Mycorrhiza which greatly

improves the absorption of water and nutrients (up to 100 times). Mycorrhiza also enhances

plant resistance against pathogens, drought and certain toxic conditions in the soil.

Healthier, stronger plants

An improved root system absorbs more plant nutrients, stronger and thicker stems are

formed which better translocates the nutrients to leaves, flowers and fruit.

Stronger stems can also carry more/larger leaves and fruit.

Untreated (unhealthy) & Treated (healthy) vascular tissue

(Banana trees)

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- Stems, leaves and fruit appear larger and healthier and produce a larger crop.

- With the aid of the Puricare Agricultural Unit healthier and more uniform

fruit/vegetables are produced.

- The shelf life of fruit and vegetables is increased.

- Fruit enjoy a higher sugar and colour quality – higher Brix (BX) testing. With

potatoes a higher SG value is achieved.

- Healthier plants can better tolerate stressful conditions.

- The plants show higher resistance against pathogen infections (fungi, bacteria,

viruses and nematodes).

Untreated & Treated

Treated

Treated & Untreated

Treated

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Denser foliage and increased shade limits weed growth and leads to cooler soil.

Observations were made that creeping weeds (common on compacted soil) were less

present and that the growth of grass and natural weeds have increased.

How does the farmer benefit from the

Puricare Agricultural Unit?

Many farmers ask for scientific evidence to explain higher yields, improved plant growth or a

decrease in disease incidence. These results are, however, influenced by various aspects

and reactions. It is not always possible to explain each result scientifically. Each farm’s

history, soil structure, crop preference, farming practices and disease/pest incidence are

different, yet the use of the Puricare Agricultural Unit repeatedly showed improved

circumstances.

We can proudly say that most farmers give positive feedback and that there is evidence of

decreased expenses – through reduced water usage, less maintenance of irrigation systems

etc.

Puricare’s results speak for themselves...

Typical installation for flows up to 100 000 l/per hour

hour

Untreated (unhealthy) & Treated (healthy) vascular

tissue (Banana trees)

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Feedback from satisfied Puricare clients

Fruit trees showed more uniform growth, a denser canopy and higher quality fruit.

Untreated and Treated banana trees

Treated orange trees

Treated Banana tree

Treated and Untreated peach trees

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The growth of cabbage shows definite improvement: less leaves are on the ground

and the cabbage heads form quicker.

Treated Vineyards

Untreated & Treated

Treated

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Tomatoes showed positive results, from better stem- and fruit- formation, to an

extended shelf life.

More uniform and dense growth can be observed with the treated tomato plants.

The above photos were taken on the same day. The harvest time of the treated

tomatoes was increased by 4 – 6 weeks – with a significant yield increase. Also note

the presence of creeping weeds on the compacted, untreated soil.

Untreated & Treated

Treated

Untreated & Treated

Treated

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Potatoes showed a 10% yield increase.

More results:

Lucerne as forage crop grows faster with improved quality (increased protein

content).

Untreated (left) & Treated (right)

Treated

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Conclusion

Above mentioned results have formed an essential part of Puricare International’s success

over the past few years. We guarantee increased oxygen levels in the water, soil and root

zone. Our Unit is not harmful to soil organisms or plant growth and is a valuable aid in

restoring nature’s balance.

Compiled By:

Treated sweet potatoes (left) are

larger with a sweeter taste

Treated

Untreated & Treated Maize

Behandel

Untreated(left) & treated maize (right)

Treated

Untreated & Treated Maize

Behandel