The York Rose Farm
Knowing how to make cut flowers last longer is a dilemma faced not only by florists but by growers on a daily basis. The Elsinga family own and operate the York Rose Farm in Zambia. They export 40 million roses to Europe annually so making sure those blooms stay fresh for as long as possible is an absolute necessity for their business.
The SofterWater Conditioner Solution
Hard water from a bore (well) typically has very high surface tension. This inhibits the ability of the water to be taken up into the plant stem and absorbed into the cell structure. It is water that supports the stems and keeps them firm and straight and if it is not well absorbed then the plant quickly becomes dehydrated and wilts.
On the other hand any hard water that is treated with a non-chemical, non-electrical SofterWater Conditioner becomes ‘softer’. This means that the surface tension of the water is lowered significantly. This then allows the water and minerals to be easily drawn up by the plant. The water provides support and the minerals provide nourishment so that the plant survives for a longer period of time.
Below is a photo diary of a test carried out using water from the farm’s bore. One vase of roses was placed in water that had been drawn from a bore (well) with a SofterWater Conditioner attached and the other vase was straight, untreated bore water.
The Results
Using irrigation water that is treated by a SofterWater Conditioner unit
enables all plant stock to experience full growth for maximum quality
means the irrigation system will operate at full capacity without the inhibition of scale
this means the grower can lower his maintenance costs and increase his stock prices.
When treated water is used in the hydration formula in preparation for a long journey it will
lower post harvest care
inhibit ‘bent neck’ in flower stems,
and so lower stock losses.