Boost Agricultural Productivity

More Successful Agriculture, Thanks to the Antimicrobial Power of Hydrogen Peroxide and Peracetic Acid

These two active oxygens, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and peracetic acid, are excellent for maintaining hygienic conditions in agriculture. Take, for example, drip irrigation in greenhouses, orchards, and field crops. These systems save resources for sure, yet they can be susceptible to the slow buildup of pathogens or biofilms. But not with active oxygens. Adding H₂O₂ or peracetic acid to water systems helps keep them clean, keep germs at bay, and secure crop yields. Other areas also benefit from the antimicrobial power of these chemistries – namely, harvesting fruits and vegetables, farming livestock, and even barley malting.

Active Oxygens Support Food Security

This is an important issue, as a growing world population is reliant on sufficient yield and minimized food loss.

Vertical farming is sustainable agriculture for future food.

GERMS DON'T STAND A CHANCE WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND PERACETIC ACID. THAT INCLUDES IN APPLICATIONS LIKE...

photo shows irrigation system in raised garden bed

... Watering Systems

(e.g., in greenhouse cultivation, orchards, and field crops)

Yellow chicks in grow out house of chicken farm. Big raising room for birds with wood chips on the floor. Modern water and food supply system.

... Livestock Farming

(e.g., stable cleaning without chemical residues, disinfection of bedding and equipment, drinking water treatment)

Automated lemon fruit washing line with conveyor belt

... Securing Crop Yields

(e.g., for fruits and vegetables via wash baths, cold fogging, or treated wash water)

Beer brewing at home. Water is sprayed into the malt tank. The process of making homemade beer

... Barley Malting

(e.g., specialized washing process for fungus-infected barley prior to grain steeping)

But Wait — Do We Really Need Chemicals in Agriculture?

There are good reasons why hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid are excellently suited for agriculture. They are made up entirely of biodegradable components — water, oxygen, and vinegar — while combating germs and pathogens extremely effectively. For example, in drip irrigation systems, dirt and algae can accumulate over time, creating an entry point for pathogens that can reach the plants. But not with hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid. These active oxygens reliably keep the systems clean, are safe for crops (when dosed correctly, of course), and are a good alternative to chlorine. This makes the two chemistries a sought-after factor in agriculture. With them, germs and pathogens have less chance of diminishing crop yields. Additionally, fruits and vegetables remain fresher for longer when their washing water is enriched with active oxygens.

Hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid prevent the buildup of dirt and algae in irrigation systems.

Livestock operations benefit as well…

Livestock farming benefits from the cleaning power of peracetic acid, too. Peracetic acid can help contain sources of infection in dairy cattle, pigs, and poultry. The fact that peracetic acid leaves no chemical residues makes this chemical applicable for organic farms. Stables and enclosures can be pre-treated, and water systems and milking equipment can be disinfected. This way, farmers can keep pathogens under tight control.

Peracetic acid enables infection control in animal husbandry without residual chemical contamination

… as do malters and breweries

Even barley infested with Fusarium fungi can be treated with peracetic acid so that it can be used for malting. This is due to peracetic acid’s antimicrobial action, which significantly reduces both the fungus itself and any already formed mycotoxin. The fact that peracetic acid also combats other fungi, bacteria, yeasts, and viruses makes its use interesting for operators of grain mills and large bakeries. This results in a notable decrease in crop losses.

Peracetic acid exhibits antimicrobial activity

ACTIVE OXYGENS DECOMPOSE INTO WATER AND OXYGEN—UNLEASHING THEIR DISINFECTING POWER IN THE PROCESS

Agriculture and Active Oxygens: A Good Match

After all, H₂O₂ and peracetic acid effectively combat pathogens of all kinds. And once they have eliminated unwanted contaminants, they leave no residues that could harm plants or animals.

Active Oxygens support the food supply by efficiently combating pathogens

Animal Hygiene

Animal health takes top priority in livestock farming. Peracetic acid ensures hygienic conditions.

Treating brewing barley with peracetic acid is sustainable and reduces crop losses

Barley Malting

Even brewing barley affected by fungal contamination can be cleaned with peracetic acid so that it can be processed into beer.

Drip Irrigation

Thanks to hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid, precise and water-saving irrigation prevents the spread of plant diseases.

Hygienic food processing with peracetic acid

Post‑Harvest Washing Water

Gently treated with peracetic acid, fruit and vegetables stay fresh for a long time. Active Oxygens also purify the wash water, preserving hygiene within the recirculation system.