Yes! We can do better with (much) less! III
In this third article, I would like to emphasize the availability of simple and cost-effective technology that can lead us towards greater water efficiency in various agronomic markets. However, for those of us who have been in the horticulture industry for a while, it can be frustrating to witness how slowly we adapt to new ideas, products, and technology. I understand that people generally resist change and disruptors, but my experience suggests that this resistance often stems from a lack of deep understanding of our work or craft. This limits our ability to recognize true innovation and see how new technologies can make our jobs easier and help us achieve necessary water savings.
Much of my time today is spent educating our industry about a relatively old science developed in the 1960s by a professor at Cal Poly Pomona. This technology has been overlooked for decades, but it has recently experienced a resurgence originating from Australia over the past 20 years. Most of the reference materials and research papers that people request come from overseas, which makes sense, as many Eastern countries faced severe water crises long ago. This is why countries like Israel prioritize efficient irrigation and regard water as a precious resource.
Currently, we have a renewed opportunity with magnetic water conditioning. I have personally worked with this technology for 10 years, and it has never disappointed me. Throughout this time, I have learned several important lessons: 1. We do not fully understand water. 2. We lack deep knowledge of our various water sources. 3. We do not comprehend our soils or how water quality negatively impacts them. We tend to seek quick fixes, such as new chemicals, to target symptoms rather than tackling the underlying problems. Need greener grass? Many would simply apply more fertilizer without realizing that over 50% of it can become 'locked' in the soil and never reach the plants. This leads to over-fertilization, resulting in turf that is essentially on steroids—a nitrogen high, to be specific.
How many of us extend watering durations, only to see brown spots grow larger, leading to almost daily irrigation? Do mowers leave wheel ruts on your sites? Are you familiar with your pivot systems? Understanding soil structure is crucial; water can behave undesirably and fail to permeate soil due to its natural physical characteristics and the soil’s tendency to seal or cap. Some individuals are aware of this and recognize that compaction is not always what it seems; water quality plays a significant role as well.
So, how does the green industry respond? Currently, the answer seems to involve chemicals—expensive wetting agents or surfactants—that can ultimately pollute our waterways and water infrastructure.
Returning to my main point, it is vital to know that we have a proven, straightforward solution to the industry challenges I mentioned. Magnetic water conditioning is a passive, truly green technology that can generate a return on investment within just a few months, depending on the project. This technology should be implemented in every home, landscape project, school, park, golf course, and farm—anyone engaged in growing anything should utilize it. It can lead to a significant reduction in water application, with chemical and fertilizer usage potentially cut by 30-50% and runoff practically eliminated. Energy consumption can also decrease with the use of magnetically conditioned water. There are virtually no downsides to adopting such a simple irrigation technology.
I highly encourage anyone interested in learning more about this technology to reach out to the manufacturers or contact Overland Distributing Company. If you’re seeking a new way to improve efficiency, conserve water, and potentially save energy, this technology should be an essential part of your toolkit.
