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Irrigation lines are quite literally a lifeline in any agricultural or landscaping system. Delivering water and nutrients directly to crops, grass or other plants, a healthy irrigation system is essential for maintaining productive growth and reliable yields. However, these systems can also fall victim to harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, due to the very nature of irrigation systems and their dark, damp interior environments, they are a haven for bacteria and can quickly become a breeding ground for biofilm.
This sticky, film-like slime adheres to surfaces over time and is built from layer upon layer, resulting in a ‘megacity’ of breeding bacteria that reduces water flow and harbors plant pathogens. A serious threat to growers of any capacity, biofilm can even pose a risk to food safety. It is also notoriously hard to remove, as the bacterial matrix that forms it is highly resistant to traditional cleaning methods and many chemical treatments – but all is not lost.
In this article, we’ll explain what biofilm is, how it develops in your irrigation water, the risks it poses to plant health and productivity, and why flushing alone isn’t enough to eliminate it. We’ll also explore effective maintenance schedules, highlighting what biofilm treatment products to choose, and how to prevent any future bacterial growth.
What Are Irrigation Lines?
Irrigation lines are the tubes that carry water from a water source to crops grown for agricultural purposes. They are also an essential element of landscaping, keeping spaces such as golf courses green and healthy. However, the dark and moist environments of water systems make them a breeding ground for bacteria. When certain types of bacteria accumulate, it can lead to a film-like coating within the pipes, reservoirs and tanks known as biofilm. Eventually, this can lead to clogging and reduced water flow, which can pose a serious threat to the health of your plants or crops.
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What is Biofilm and How Does It Occur?
Biofilm is a slimy coating found on most surfaces that are in frequent contact with water. Within the film is a highly organized, rampant and resilient structure of bacteria (often called a ‘matrix’) able to host a wide variety of microorganisms. The formation of biofilm can be broken down into the following 5 steps:
Attachment
Free-floating bacteria (also known as planktonic cells) that travel through the supply of water attach themselves to the inside of the lines.
Adhesion & EPS Production
Adhesion is enhanced by the production of EPS, a complex mixture of polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, which forms a matrix surrounding the cells.
Growth
The microbes in the biofilm proliferate, and the biofilm becomes thicker and harder to remove. Over time, the matrix will continue to grow and mature into a complex 3D structure.
Dispersal
In some cases, cells will break off from the mature colonies, returning to the ‘free-floating’ state above.
Further Colonization
Those broken-off cells will repeat the process elsewhere in the irrigation line, becoming adhered to the surface and developing into a complex, sticky structure.
The Problems Caused by Biofilm in Irrigation Systems
As a grower, your priority will of course be ensuring a maximum yield of the highest quality. By understanding the risks posed by the development of biofilm, you’ll be better informed on how to properly maintain your irrigation lines. Below, we’ve listed the biggest dangers of biofilm:
- Plant Diseases
Biofilms can be the source of stubborn fungal and bacterial infections in plants, even when the water source seems clean. For example, Xylella fastidiosa, a biofilm-producing bacterium, can cause Pierce’s disease in grapevines by stifling plant vasculature.
- Reduced Water Delivery
Layers of the biofilm can accumulate into a sludge in any part of your irrigation system, potentially leading to reduced water delivery due to clogging.
- Oxygen Deprivation
Biofilms can deplete oxygen levels in the water, creating an anaerobic environment and bringing a double negative: fostering the growth of harmful bacteria while harming beneficial plant roots that require oxygen.
- Pathogen Harboring
Biofilms can harbor pathogens that cause plant diseases or even human illnesses, contaminating crops and increasing the risk of outbreaks.
- Food Safety Concerns
Biofilms can contaminate surfaces and equipment, leading to cross-contamination and potentially even the spread of harmful pathogens in food processing environments.
- Increased Treatment Resistance
Microorganisms within biofilms are incredibly resilient. They are often more resistant to treatments like disinfectants and antibiotics, making it harder to control infections and prevent contamination. That is why prevention is always better than a cure!
Why Removing Biofilm Isn’t as Simple as Flushing the Lines
Removing biofilm is tricky for two reasons:
- The matrix surrounding the bacteria is incredibly strong. All bacteria are effectively shielded by the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), giving them protection from disinfectants and other treatments.
- Flushing can lead to the dispersal of the bacteria, essentially repeating the formation cycle listed above.
While flushing does form part of the overall solution, it needs to be complemented with specialized treatments, a maintenance schedule and ongoing monitoring to ensure effectiveness.
How To Remove Biofilm From Irrigation Lines Without Harmful Chemicals
Destroying or removing biofilm is also known as biofilm degradation. This refers to the process of breaking down the layers of bacteria to restore system efficiency. In agricultural and irrigation systems, degradation is achieved by targeting the biofilm structure to prevent clogs and keep water and nutrient delivery consistent. The ability to degrade biofilm without damaging equipment or plants is crucial for maintaining productivity, which is why you need a tried and trusted solution such as Clear Flow™.
A natural enzymatic solution, Clear Flow™ uses a powerful blend of catalytic enzymes to break down the biofilm matrix and restore your irrigation systems to full operational health. Containing no harsh chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, chlorine or acid, Clear Flow™ ensures complete crop safety and has a high-dilution rate, making it a cost-effective choice.
Best Practices for Ongoing Biofilm Prevention
Wondering how you can keep your fresh water supply free from harmful bacteria? Maintenance is a must. By establishing a routine maintenance schedule, you’ll ensure long-term cleanliness in your irrigation systems and effectively prevent any biofilm buildup.
We recommend incorporating a maintenance treatment with every water top-off, tank changeover, or nutrient charge. This helps to maintain a balanced environment for your plants and keeps your irrigation lines clear of bacterial buildup.