Vue d'ensemble
Sections

project - EIP-AGRI Operational Group

Application of Plasma Activated Water 2.0 for sustainable outdoor vegetable cultivation

Contacts
To download the project in a PDF format, please click on the print button and save the page as PDF
Completed | 2022 Netherlands
Completed | 2022 Netherlands

Contexte

Prei en asperge zijn met een areaal van zo`n 3300 ha van grote economische betekenis voor Limburg. In deze teelten is het gebruik van chemische gewasbeschermingsmiddelen en kunstmest gangbaar. Deze toepassingen staan door de milieubelastende effecten als gevolg van ongewenste emissie naar lucht, bodem, water en mens steeds verder onder druk en vragen om een snelle verduurzaming in de vorm van vermindering gebruik van deze middelen. 

Objectives

The conclusion of Plasma Activated Water (PAW) application to crops is positive. In potatoes, PAW retards the fungus Phytophthora, with potential for further prevention and killing off. PAW also has foliar nutrient and production enhancing effects, making crops more resilient and reducing the need for plant protection products. PAW can replace chemical fungicides and fertilizers in asparagus, leeks and potatoes. Seed treatments with PAW showed no damage. A new, more powerful PAW machine will be more practical. Further tests are crucial for environmentally friendly replacement of chemical agents in Limburg crops.

Activities

Work is underway to make new knowledge ready for practice and steps are being taken toward a concrete practice rollout. Once operation on a practical scale has been confirmed, initiatives for treatment techniques can be launched. This should lead to a reduction in the use of raw materials and lower emissions of environmentally harmful substances to soil, air and water. Research will be conducted on field sites at 2 growers in the partnership. In addition to practical research into the effectiveness of PAW 2.0 on harmful infestations and the growth of leeks, asparagus, bio and rhubarb, the project will also develop a start for the treatment protocol and a first draft for application technology.

Project details
Main funding source
Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups
Rural Development Programme
2014NL06RDNP001 Plattelandsontwikkelingsprogramma voor Nederland 2014-2020 (POP3)
Emplacement
Main geographical location
Noord-Limburg

EUR 115 543.00

Total budget

Total contributions from EAFRD, national co-financing, additional national financing and other financing.

Project keyword

Ressources

1 Practice Abstracts

The cultivation of leeks and asparagus, accounting for 3,300 hectares in Limburg, has great economic value but relies heavily on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which is environmentally damaging. These crops are under pressure to become more sustainable by using more environmentally friendly methods.

The project focuses on making Plasma Activated Water (PAW) practical as an alternative. Research at field sites of two growers is investigating PAW's effectiveness against diseases, while a treatment protocol and design for PAW application technique are being developed. In previous tests, PAW in potatoes has slowed the development of fungi such as Phytophthora, and has been found to be fungicidal, foliar, and production enhancing, increasing plant resistance to disease. Moreover, PAW treatments in asparagus and leek seeds can stimulate germination without harmful side effects.

PAW thus offers a promising alternative to chemicals and fertilizers, with potentially sustainable applications for crop protection and plant health. A larger PAW machine under development will increase the volume and strength of spraying, allowing further field testing. If the powerful PAW proves effective, it could significantly reduce chemical inputs in the Limburg asparagus and leek crop, which is crucial for the future of sustainable cultivation.

Contacts

Project coordinator

Project partners