As professionals in the field, we often find ourselves in serious difficulties with our irrigation installations due to the presence in the network and equipment of what is commonly known as oba, algae, chokes, dirt... This can lead to clogged emitters, increased efficiency loss installations, and increased frequency and intensity of maintenance work.
Biofilms are produced by the tendency of microorganisms to congregate together and can cause very serious problems if appropriate action is not taken in time, when a portion of the biofilm formed is dislodged in the form of flakes or clumps that have the ability to seal inside the biofilm. Biofilms, pipes, and in most cases are capable of permanently and irreversibly clogging the entire transmitter network, putting crops at risk. At that point, all alarms go off and farmers begin to realize the magnitude of the problem.
A necessary condition for biofilm formation is the presence of water, which provides moisture, nutrients and oxygen and serves as a vehicle for the spread of free-living colonizing microorganisms.
Under favorable conditions, these organisms proliferate and increase their concentration, thus requiring organization to colonize new areas. Undisinfected wastewater, stagnant water, or industrial water is usually bacteria-laden water and therefore a source of bacterial proliferation and susceptible to biofilm production.
High temperatures, neutral pH, high oxygenation, nutrients, surface roughness, low flow rates, etc. all favor microbial colonization in our facilities.
If your irrigation installation meets these conditions, it is important to pay special attention to the presence of biofilm and take the necessary measures to avoid that the problem generates significant additional costs and risks to the crop.
Clogging is the last and most serious consequence, but we must remember that biofilm is also responsible for reducing the service life of irrigation installations, leading to a greater need for equipment maintenance, generating additional consumption of fertilizers and oxygen, accelerating corrosion In addition, it is a source of pathogens for the soil, crops and workers.
