subject: An Introduction to Aeration Systems and Agriculture [print this page] An Introduction to Aeration Systems and Agriculture
An aeration system in this era of industrial growth and mechanized agriculture has justifiably assumed a vital role. With increasing pressure on environment to meet demands of human habitations, different models and categories of aeration systems have come into existence.
Today, one can see an aeration system in use everywhere from cultivation to waste water treatment; Aeration systems have become integral to ensuring good health of water and soil across tanks, ponds, Golf courses, resorts, private estates, vineyards and orchard gardens. So much so that aeration is also used across dairy farms et al to breed healthy and productive livestock.
What is Aeration?
Aeration is the process by which air is circulated through, and mixed with or dissolved into a liquid (such as water) or substance (such as soil) to encourage microbial activity and enhance the quality of the liquid/ substance.
Air is necessary for microbial activity and eventually refers to the health and vigor of all turf. As air, by itself, cannot infiltrate into the soil, an external medium is used to move air through. In our environment, this external vehicle is water, which can move through the soil profile, displacing carbon dioxide and pulling air into the vacuum created, as it moves down deeper into the earth. This whole process termed as aeration system helps the plants respond with stronger roots and better yields. Further, this results into improved fertilizer utilization, reduced runoff, and greater soil moisture consistency.
The importance of Aeration Systems in Agriculture
There are various Aeration models available in the market, extending multi-functional designs. Agriculture per se requires aeration for conservative tillage, manure management, hay and pasture management and horticulture. Aeration for waste water treatment in agricultural industry basically deals with tank and pond aeration. Ponds and tanks without oxygen can become stagnant resulting in excess algae, muck in the bottom, and potential health issues. The process of Ponds aeration turns the pond water with rich oxygen and removes excess nutrients and pollutants making the entire body of water a healthy ecosystem. Aeration hence increases the healthy water living space for fish and helps with pond algae control.
