Charged water particles mimic Sun's long wavelength energy
By Dave Darragh
Science continues to push the boundaries, providing another growth extension aid for Groundsmen and Greenkeepers.
Vi~Aqua isn't the new kid on the block and was trialed extensively at the turn of this century in half a dozen stadium venues. It is a unique, environmentally friendly process, which boosts the energy level of ordinary water, by using electro-magnetic (EM) energy. When applied to living plant material, this energised water increases performance by as much as 25%, producing stronger, healthier plants that recover more quickly after damage.
In effect it makes normal water act like a fertiliser - but with no added substances of any kind. And when used with a fertiliser, it enhances its growth effects - increasing the benefits of applying additional nutrients.
Scientific background
Scientific research on the beneficial effects of magnetism on seed germination and plant growth has been going on for more than 60 years. But it is only recently, with the development of sensitive analytical techniques, that the reasons for this have become more fully understood.
Now, researchers have repeatedly documented the direct effects of electromagnetically energised water on plants across the world. Electro-magnetic treated water has been tested in laboratories and in field trials, by independent research institutions such as The Botanical Gardens Kew, University of Limerick, Warrenstown College and commercial organisations.
How does it work?
There is less resistance within the plant's cells as they elongate during the natural growth process. This allows them to grow more quickly. This is supported by the fact that plant growth hormones have been shown to significantly increase when a plant has had energised water applied to it.
Nutrient uptake from the soil and transport within the plant is faster, due to changes in root structure. In grass plants, the roots increase in length, as does the number and density of the root hairs. This in turn improves the efficiency with which the nutrients are absorbed by the plant tissue.
During activation, tiny amounts of hydrogen peroxide are released into the water - a substance known to have a stimulating effect on plant growth. As well as increased root and shoot growth, EM treated water can speed up seed germination.
(Plant control left picture, treated plant right picture)
The electromagnetic effect stays with the water for up to 14 hours, before slowly wearing off. This means that water treated at a central reservoir under controlled conditions will still produce its beneficial effects once it gets out onto the pitch.
Is it Safe?
Vi~Aqua involves no added chemicals, irradiation or genetic modification - nothing is added except natural energy, of the type emitted from the sun every day, and without which no life would exist on Earth. Only around 1% of the solar energy reaching Earth is captured, mainly by chlorophyll, the green pigment in the leaves of plants. Vi~Aqua merely uses a different pathway to boost the type of energy a plant is already using. This alternative energy source has already proved its commercial value in horticulture, when light and thermal energy levels are low in autumn and winter.
The installed system produces the electromagnetic energy using the long radio wavelength segment of the Electro Magnetic spectrum. This is totally free of the hazards associated with energies at the upper end of the spectrum such as X-rays. Extensive tests have also shown that, even at very high settings, these EM rays do not harm any genetic material in living cells.
This technology has also been applied to other plant growth enhancement situations in horticulture, with tremendous success.
Trials
Grass seeds of an amenity cultivar of perennial ryegrass were sown at the equivalent of 35g/m2 evenly over the surface of two containers. Measuring 37cm x 19cm and 17cm deep, they were filled with a standard rootzone based on 70% sand of known particle size ranges, and 30% screened sterilised topsoil.
The preparation and treatment of each replicate has been identical throughout, in terms of quantity of materials used and timing of applications.
In order to assess the benefit of granular fertiliser, the equivalent of 35g/m2 of 10:15:10 was applied to one half of the surface of each of the two containers on the 23rd March, when the seedlings were 5cm high. This equated to 35N:52Po: Ko Kg/ha.
Trial results
The results after the seven weeks of the trial were remarkable in a number of significant ways. A summary of the observed effects is detailed below:
1 Seedling emergence was slightly faster under the Vi~Aqua treatment by about 13%, taking seven days, and more uniform than with plain water.
2 The treated population was consistently a richer green colour from seedling emergency through to the juvenile stage, consistent with the superior growth rate.
3Root growth in the treated container was significantly superior in volume, mass, depth, and most importantly the density of root hairs that facilitate nutrient uptake and growth.
4Plant stature was more erect with stiff upright leaves, than the plain water treated replicate. Leaves within the Vi~Aqua treatment swiftly regained their upright posture after being flattened when inverted to study the root mass.
5When comparing the roots of the two replicates, during a severe 'infestation' of Fusarium mycelium over the seedling bases during the first three weeks, the Vi~Aqua treated replicate remained unaffected. The untreated population succumbed to the fungus, losing 25% of the seedlings in 24 hours. But with the disappearance of the disease due to a change in the weather, further damage did not occur.
6Ten days after the fertiliser application, the growth response was dramatic. Each replicate developed and intense green hue and gained height by 10mm, compared with the zero growth of unfertilised sections that remained pale yellow green. The initial growth rate and colour intensity continues to favour the fertilised sections.
7Damage from early morning frosts and severe winds, which occurred in April, bleached and scorched or reddened leaves on about 100 juvenile plants of the untreated replicate, whereas under the Vi-Aqua treatment none were bleached, and barely 50 leaves, were adversely affected.
8close examinations of the shoots within the fertilised and unfertilised sections under both water treatments revealed differences:
Leaf width of unfertilised sections consistently failed to exceed 2mm, whereas the fertilised replicates were ranged from 3mm-4mm, regardless of water source.
The replicate treated with Vi~Aqua and fertiliser was tillering profusely in comparison with its plain watered counterpart which was at a less advanced stage.
Gerard Byrne, Golf Course Superintendent. The K club, Ireland said "We have decided to continue using the Vi~Aqua water treatment in conjunction with the other maintenance programme currently in use at our Course, in preparation for the Ryder Cup 2006."
Gerry O'Hara, Captain. Abbeyliex Golf Club, Ireland said "The results (of using Vi~Aqua) at Abbeyliex are visible and tangible, a spectacular dark green sward on the new greens which offer a perfect durable putting surface."
Dr JJ Leahy Chemical & Environmental Science Department. University of Limerick, Ireland said, "The grass experiment concluded that the (Vi~Aqua) treated samples produced significantly higher carbohydrate concentration, which would increase the ensilability of the grass even under conditions climatically unfavourable for grass growth."
How is it installed?
Unlike traditional water treatment systems, Vi~Aqua is easily and quickly installed in any application. It comprises two units which are connected to each other via a single, electrical cable. The control unit is a surface mounting box to which the 220/240V ac supply is connected; the antenna which connects to the control unit is located at the water inlet, fully immersed. Simply switch on and treatment starts immediately. It runs continuously without the need for supervision, maintenance or chemicals.
For the Technically minded
More about how Vi~Aqua works
Vi~Aqua continuously applies electromagnetic radio signal to the water via a submersed antenna. The relatively long wavelength is safe in its own right and in any event, confined within the body of water.
The Vi~Aqua system works by altering the natural surface charge of suspended particles and acts to modify the Zeta potential. The negative charge induced by the applied radiation enhances the stability of the suspension by means of increased electrostatic repulsion between particles. This is due to the resultant double layer of ions that surround particles and vessel / pipe surfaces which are in contact with the water.
The modified "zeta - potential" facilitates improved hydration of solids and reduced surface tension of the water which brings the various benefits described earlier in this brochure.
Specifications:-
Mechanical:The Vi~Aqua system comprises 2 assemblies
a)Power Supply / Control Box
IP66 rated (weatherproof) secure, enclosure, CE compliant
Input - supply voltage
Output - connection to antenna assembly
b) Antenna
Electrical:
a) Power supply /Control Box
Supply: 89-264V ac 50/60Hz
Output: 24V dc to antenna
Power consumption: 24W per hour
b) Antenna
Power supply: 24V dc from Control Box
Propagation: 27 MHz Radio Frequency propagation directly into water inlet or sump.
Capacity:Treats 250,000 litres volume or 100,000 litres /hour flow
To find out more information, including a list of scientific papers which support this technology look at the website www.viaqua.ie/
Call + 353 87 2500181 or e-mail daviddarragh@eircom.net
