Mushrooms are grown in conditions of high density making them highly susceptible to the spread of disease. These diseases by their nature are highly prolific and difficult to stop without damaging the actual crop. Mushrooms themselves are a fungus and as such are susceptible to the treatments designed to destroy the disease.
Ozone is recognised as a safe water additive for foodstuffs by Food Standards Australia and can be used safely to clean rooms and water crops. A claim that some of the chemicals in current use would have difficulty making.
Ozone in water at high levels can provide an effective disinfectant to wash down the room before filling. Using our storage tank based systems the ozone gas is kept to a minimum and compliance with OH&S requirements can be maintained.
Ozone in water for watering the mushroom crop can provide the same levels of disinfection as the current chemicals in use without the drawbacks. When set up correctly the system can do this automatically, providing savings for staff and ensuring a consistent end result. As an additional benefit, when the ozonated water penetrates the peat, the ozone reverts back to oxygen providing a boost to the crop.
Ozone in the air before the room is filled and during the initial days when all growth is well covered can destroy disease spores and organisms in the air. These spores enter the room on dust, on people and in the air. Ozone in the air can reduce the incidence of these diseases.
Many mushroom farms throughout Australia use ozone as a tool to maximise yield and reduce chemical usage.
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