Nurseries and greenhouse crops generate large volumes of leachate with high concentrations of fertilizers, organic matter and plant pathogens. Inefficient management of these waters implies high water consumption, economic losses associated with the use of fertilizers and a significant environmental risk due to the contamination of soils and aquifers with nitrates and phosphates. In addition, the recirculation of water without adequate treatment increases the spread of phytosanitary pathogens, compromising plant health and productivity. In a context of increasing regulatory pressure and scarcity of water resources, the sector needs sustainable solutions that allow the water and nutrient cycle to be closed without resorting to intensive chemical treatments or energy-intensive systems.
CLEANLEACH® is a technology developed by the Institute of Agri-Food Research and Technology (IRTA) for the purification and recirculation of leachate water in nurseries and greenhouses using natural processes. The system combines a slow horizontal flow sand filter, installed under the growing area, which retains particles, organic matter and pathogens, with an artificial subsurface flow wetland that removes nitrates, phosphates and organic compounds through the joint action of the substrate, plants and microorganisms. The technology allows up to 80% of water and 70% of nutrients to be recovered, without the need for chemicals or significant energy consumption, and can be integrated with digital monitoring systems.
The technology has been validated in an operational environment and the system has been replicated on a commercial scale. It has been implemented in Viveros Sala Graupera (Barcelona) and Viveros Salix (United Kingdom).
Benefits:
- Water savings of up to 80% through safe recirculation
- Reduced fertilizer use by up to 70%
- Elimination of pathogens >99.9%, including fungi such as Fusarium oxysporum
- Technology based on natural solutions, without chemicals
- Low energy and maintenance costs
- Adaptable to new or existing installations
- Contributes to compliance with European environmental regulations
- Digitalization compatible for nutrient control and water quality
The development team is looking to establish strategic collaborations that will allow this technology to be brought to market in the near future. The conditions and form of collaboration can be openly discussed if the technology presented is of interest.
Institution: Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentarias (IRTA)
TRL: 7
Protection Status: Know-how / Methodology
Contacto: Begoña Iborra / biborra@viromii.com