Sustainable Sweet Spot: Physical Water Treatment Strengthens Geothermal Performance at Swiss Chocolatier
At Aeschbach Chocolatier, physical water treatment has transformed the efficiency of geothermal systems.
Texas A&M University Launches Two-Year Study on AQUA4D Water Treatment for Turfgrass Irrigation
As golf courses across the United States increasingly rely on recycled and lower-quality irrigation water, turf managers are facing growing challenges linked to salinity, sodium accumulation, calcium carbonates, and elevated pH. These conditions can place significant stress on turfgrass
Q&A: Jean-Michel Balmelle on the past, present & future of AQUA4D
As the year draws to a close, we sat down with Jean-Michel Balmelle at the AQUA4D head office in Switzerland, for a look back and ahead to what’s to come in 2026 and beyond. Q: Could you briefly introduce
AQUA4D in Sicily: Improving Resilience and Quality in Challenging Conditions
It’s clear: where water is scarce and soils suffer, AQUA4D brings regeneration, efficiency and a brighter future. This experience in Sicily is now a point of reference for all farms that want to transform climatic and environmental difficulties into opportunities for sustainable growth.
Harnessing Technology for Soil Salinity and Water Efficiency
AQUA4D® supports healthier plants, increased yield potential, and long-term soil health. For pistachio growers in saline-prone regions like California’s Central Valley, adopting AQUA4D® tech could lead to significant environmental and economic benefits.
From San Diego Sun to Sustainable Solutions: AQUA4D at the GCSAA Conference
The sun-drenched shores of San Diego recently played host to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Conference and Trade Show, and AQUA4D was thrilled to be a part of this vibrant event. It was an incredible opportunity
Unlocking Irrigation Potential: Enhancing Turf Growth in Water-Scarce Environments
British researchers investigated the efficacy of AQUA4D in optimizing turf growth and development under varying water availability scenarios. The findings show the potential of AQUA4D to revolutionize turf management practices, particularly in regions facing water constraints.
Boosting Pistachio Growth in High Saline-Boron Soil with Precision Water Treatment
The reduction in salinity levels, as facilitated by AQUA4D®, likely created a more favorable environment for plant growth, leading to improved tree growth parameters. This highlights the potential of AQUA4D® as an effective solution for enhancing tree growth and productivity in soils affected by high salinity.
AQUA4D & CORFO: Water Efficiency Project in Northern Chile Pioneers Sustainable Cultivation in Arid Region
A landmark technology transfer collaboration has helped rural farmers take strides towards guaranteeing the agricultural future of their water-stressed region in Northern Chile.
“It’s not magic”: Water and Fertilizer Savings at Klaver Flowers Greenhouses
Klaver Flowers, a leading Dutch flower grower, has used AQUA4D to achieve double-digit water and fertilizer savings, and will now equip their entire greenhouse. "It's not magic. We measure consistently and observe clear improvements," says owner Gert-Jan Klaver. "We hope to further expand our farm in the near future and with today's knowledge that will certainly include an AQUA4D system."
New Water-Saving System for Pivot Irrigation Launches at Nebraska’s Husker Harvest Days
Following years of R&D and trials, the brand new AQUA4D® H-A Max system was officially unveiled in Nebraska, USA, with farmers in the Midwest and beyond set to benefit from water & fertilizer efficiency, salinity management, and soil regeneration.
AQUA4D and Ascentium Capital Bring Scalable Water-Smart Tech for Agriculture and Landscape Irrigation in the U.S.
To help scale up implementation of water-efficient tech in the U.S., Ascentium Capital has developed a customized financing solution to make AQUA4D® technology accessible for agricultural, landscapes or sports irrigation.
Water Treatment Improves Soil Structure at a Leading Dutch Plant Nursery
Thanks to AQUA4D treatment, Beekenkamp Plants have been able to deal with variability in water quality, and keep soils moist for longer, with a variety of knock-on benefits.
Greenhouse Sustainably Solves Clogging Issues While Increasing Water Efficiency
In the Canton of Lucerne an organic grower has kept his greenhouse infrastructure clear of limescale, rust and algae deposits, while improving substrate water penetration.
“This tech is blowing my mind!” – Dan Borboa and Benjamin Merritt join the AQUA4D USA Team
AQUA4D is delighted to welcome Dan Borboa (Area Sales Manager) and Benjamin Merritt (Field Manager) to serve the growing customer base in California. With several decades of ag experience between them, we caught for a wide-ranging chat about their past, present and future.
A Greener Future: How French Growers are Harnessing Precision Irrigation to Combat Drought – and Increase Productivity
With record-breaking temperatures, dwindling aquifers and diminishing snowpacks, is there anything France's farmers can do to mitigate against a damaging summer in 2023?
AQUA4D Launches Regional Base in Chile to Promote Water-Efficient Irrigation in Latin America
Following the opening of a regional office in California, USA, the Swiss-based water innovator now officially kicks off operations in Santiago, Chile. With a strong team on the ground, this will help expand the company’s ability to offer optimized
AQUA4D x NGL: Two European Water Pioneers Join Forces
AQUA4D and NGL Group announce a significant water technology collaboration for buildings and industry. This powerful combination of the companies' decades of experience in precision water treatment will speed up positive transitions in water-efficient processes.
#prixalpiq: Promising Results for Integrated Water Management Project in Switzerland’s Valais
The combination of tools including AQUA4D have shown potential water savings of 45%. With the goal of better water management and reduction of the use of the region’s water resources, the municipality has now extended the pilot project.
Academic Agreement Enables Technology Transfer For Water Efficiency In Chile
With the new academic agreement signed last week, rich field experience can be shared to accelerate the transfer of knowledge and the constant improvement of techniques – ultimately bringing much-needed water efficiency and conservation to Chile and beyond.
AQUA4D x CaixaBank : Innovative Water Treatment for Spanish Agriculture
AQUA4D is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Spain’s CaixaBank to increase sustainable and water-efficient approaches in Spanish agriculture.
Can Water Tech Help Maintain Chile’s Cherry Boom ?
Faced with water stress and salinity, Chilean growers have an eye on ensuring they can keep up with demand in the years ahead, and maintain the quality the market expects. We look at how water treatment technology may help them do just this.
“A very nice challenge!”: Interview with Patrice Brand, new Chief Technology Officer at AQUA4D
We welcome Patrice Brand as our new Chief Technology Officer, taking over from Charles-Henri Faure after 15 years. In an interview, Patrice shared his tangible excitement about the tasks and challenges ahead – and his huge ambitions.
Improving Turf Management Through Precision Irrigation
AQUA4D has expanded the proven efficiencies in agriculture to the sports and landscapes market, with some notable early successes in soccer, where European clubs such as OGC Nice and AZ Alkmaar use its system.
AQUA4D in 2022: A Year in Review
One thing is clear: 2022 was not the easiest ride for many. But as we near its end and look back on the past 12 months, we reflect on some things which - despite another rollercoaster year in global events - have helped make it a surprisingly good year.
How Physical Water Treatment Reduces Scaling and Increases Heat Exchanger Efficiency
This study implies that through effective water treatment AQUA4D® can decrease persistent limescale issues by ~80%, thereby decreasing the need for chemical treatment and increasing the efficiency and sustainability of installations.
Chile’s Sustainable Avocados: Managing Salinity While Saving Water
In landmark projects overseen by scientists and supervisors from Santiago’s INACAP, deployments of this water saving & salinity management technology have now shown the way forward for sustainable avocado cultivation in Chile.
Geothermal: Improving Efficiency Through Water Treatment
Water issues threaten the efficiency of geothermal installations, and no sustainable solution has yet existed. Now AQUA4D have shown that water treatment can finally solve these problems, and help speed up green transitions.
Saving Water and Keeping Urban Landscapes Green: Lessons from Chile
The 27-hectare Bicentennial Park is the pride of Vitacura, a district in eastern Santiago de Chile. An urban oasis in the sprawling capital, the park is packed with plant species and recreational lawns and provides welcome respite to residents.
The French Nurseries Combatting Drought With Precision Irrigation
Daniel Trévien has been selling fruit trees for 40 years and has never seen conditions like this - but he’s adapting.
Increase of Nutrient Uptake, Fruit Quality & Brix Values with AQUA4D® Precision Irrigation
This study showed that AQUA4D® sustainable water treatment results in better water use efficiency, as well as superior performance, increased nutrient uptake, and better fruit quality.
AQUA4D: 50th Public Building Equipped in Valais, Switzerland
AQUA4D has proudly completed a landmark installation at a municipal building in the Canton of Valais, the 50th such installation in the region, encompassing fire stations, police stations, schools, and sports facilities.
AQUA4D Secures New Funding For Further Market Expansion
AQUA4D has taken on funding from France-based Abaque Finance. An injection of 4 million Swiss francs will help with R&D efforts, production scale-up and further expansion into new markets.
Increased Yields Mean Fast ROI for Hydroponic Grower in Northern France
Impressive yields were seen in Category 1 production – the most valuable crops. The gains per cycle equate to an estimated ROI in just 18 months, even in a situation with low market prices.
Technology-as-a-Service: New CAD Integration Speeds Up Water Treatment Planning and Installation
AQUA4D is now offering a comprehensive service for professionals working in water systems for buildings infrastructure, with open-source CAD designs increasing efficiencies and expediting the pre-installation and installation processes.
Integrated Water Management with Hi-Tech Solutions in Switzerland’s Valais
The first-in-kind “Lienne-Raspille” project seeks to solve the problem of local seasonal water shortages, and serve as a blueprint for similar regions in Switzerland and across the world.
The Chilean Municipalities Using Swiss Technology To Achieve Water Conservation Objectives
AQUA4D has continued expansion in California with a new branch office and warehouse, to bring game-changing technology to more US growers and further boost water efficiency, productivity, and salts management.
Sustainable Transformations at OGC Nice Through Precision Irrigation
AQUA4D has continued expansion in California with a new branch office and warehouse, to bring game-changing technology to more US growers and further boost water efficiency, productivity, and salts management.
Agritech in Switzerland: Squaring the Circle of Productivity and Climate Protection?
AQUA4D has continued expansion in California with a new branch office and warehouse, to bring game-changing technology to more US growers and further boost water efficiency, productivity, and salts management.
Avocado Precision Irrigation Boosts Water Efficiency and Productivity
A large-scale trial of Precision Irrigation technology has concluded its first phase in Chile, with profound implications for the sustainable cultivation of avocados in water-stressed regions.
Ecological and Cost-effective Treatment of Water Infrastructure
With several thousand installations, dozens of scientific studies and the recognition of numerous organizations, AQUA4D's effectiveness and both ecological and economic interest are clear. Let’s look at some of its success stories in urban water infrastructure.
Netafim x AQUA4D : Sustainable Water Management
AQUA4D is happy to announce a new strategic collaboration with the world leader in micro irrigation, NETAFIM. Addressing water stress, mitigating climate change, and improving efficiencies require us all pulling together to forge a sustainable future; this partnership is a big step in this direction.
A Swiss Drought? How Water Scarcity is Closer Than You Think
Recent years are showing that even this "Chateau d'Eau" is not immune to the stresses of a changing climate. Thankfully, Swiss innovation is helping secure water supplies and mitigate the effects of warming temperatures and water stress.
12 Reasons 2021 Was a Good Year
We may still be in a pandemic, but there were plenty of reasons to be cheerful this year – and to hope that 2022 will be even better. Before we go into the new year, we wanted to look at some of the highlights from the last 12 months and shout out to a strong global team which made it all possible.
Ultrafiltration and AQUA4D® for Water Treatment: An Objective Comparison
There’s no doubt these two technologies are the future: they are efficient, sustainable ways to treat water. They offer decisive advantages over most other technologies, and make it possible to massively reduce the use of chemicals in the water cycle.
Grass is Truly Greener at AZ Alkmaar’s AFAS Training Complex
The AQUA4D® system has contributed significantly to solving turf issues at the AFAS Training Complex in Wijdewormer, home of AZ Alkmaar football club (Eredivisie). "We now have no more dead grass spots because AQUA4D® creates smaller water clusters, so they get into the smallest pores," explains groundsman Wouter Uitentuis.
Golf in Chile Makes Sustainable Progress with Precision Irrigation
Given the size of green landscapes, water conservation here can have huge impacts on general water efficiency efforts. This is the case with golf course irrigation, where in Chile an increasing number of clubs are looking to employ the latest technology to optimize their water use.
Chilean Avocado Growers Benefit from Swiss Precision Irrigation Technology
Part of this interview was published in FreshPlaza in November 2021 (see original here). Whenever you take a commodity out of its region of origin, there can be challenges in the growing process. So has been the case with
COP26: Precision Irrigation for Sustainable Agriculture
To coincide with COP26 in Glasgow, we outline how Precision Irrigation can hold the key to mitigating climate change, cutting emissions, saving resources, and pursuing a more regenerative approach to agriculture.
Walter Thut: Interview in Planer + Installateur Magazine
After numerous installations proving the efficiency of AQUA4D® in buildings in Valais, Switzerland, the regional government has now explicitly mentioned this technology in their directives for energy and resource use.
United by Water: Swiss and Chilean Cooperations Increase Water Efficiency
Matias Manriquez from the Swiss Embassy in Chile reports how Swiss technology is helping combat water scarcity in one of the most water-stressed regions in the world, including important new initiatives and certifications which will streamline and incentivize water efficiency in Chile.
AQUA4D® Collaboration Receives #PrixAlpiq 1st Prize
A landmark project involving AQUA4D® has won this year’s inaugural #PrixAlpiq (Alpiq Prize). The winning project aims to reduce the water requirements of agriculture in a Swiss municipality by up to 40%.
Human x Tech: Technology-as-a-Service for Precision Irrigation
Technology can go a long way to solving some of the most pressing issues faced in agriculture. But as is often the case, when human ingenuity combines with innovative tech, we can start to make a real difference.
Scientific Study: Using AQUA4D® Treated Brackish Water on Bell Pepper Crops in the Lower Jordan Valley
This study was conducted as part of a USAID collaboration in Palestine. Here we summarize the academic article, which can be found in the Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology A 4 (2014).
How to Irrigate Better and Save Water
A large Swiss veg producer has adopted the AQUA4D® system to save water and increase efficiency (published in La Liberté newspaper)
AQUA4D: Achieving a Quadruple Bottom Line for Smart Irrigation
This “Smart Irrigation Month”, we shine a light on what we do at AQUA4D® to not only combat water scarcity but also create shared value for people and the planet.
#SoilPioneers: Bastien Sachet, CEO Earthworm Foundation
AQUA4D is speaking with some of the people making tangible impacts across the world in the name of soil health and regenerative agriculture. This week it's Bastien Sachet, CEO of Earthworm Foundation who are furthering the cause of regenerative agriculture around the world.
Portugal: Swiss Technology for +20% Water Savings in Almond Orchards
Veracruz is currently testing water treatment which enables an average 20% reduction of water use, believing this technology could be promising for optimizing both water and fertilizer use.
Sustainable Football Irrigation for a Changing Climate
With water stress on the rise around the world, football pitches are as much under threat as agricultural fields and urban landscapes. Here we look at some leading groundsmen and the technologies they use to combat a changing climate.
AQUA4D: New Website and Corporate Branding Launched
After months of behind-the-scenes action, we’re delighted to officially unveil our all-new corporate image and website. This rebrand comes as a natural development at a time when the company has gone from strength, solidifying its place in its main
Chilean Municipality Leads the Way for Urban Water Efficiency with AQUA4D® Technology
This article appeared in Chile’s emol.com / El Mercurio in April 2021. AQUA4D is a Swiss company with vast experience in this field and has developed innovative methods to achieve better water management, reducing water consumption by an average
AQUA4D® : A Revolution for the Management of Salt in Soils
This article originally appeared in FreshFruitPortal in January 2021. Like many places in Peru and Chile, the coastal area of northern Peru suffers from increasing soil salinity. This presents particular difficulties for the cultivation of avocados, an important export
AQUA4D® Industrial Water Treatment: An Astounding Success
After numerous installations proving the efficiency of AQUA4D® in buildings in Valais, Switzerland, the regional government has now explicitly mentioned this technology in their directives for energy and resource use.
Sustainable Maintenance of Water Infrastructure in Older Buildings
Behind the beautiful facades of old buildings lies a hidden threat unknown to many owners: the slow decay of piping and water infrastructure. Limescale and corrosion build up gradually, finally manifesting in decreased water pressure and the unsettling sight
Water Softeners in Residential Buildings: A Critical Appraisal
Experts are well aware that water softeners are not always suitable for residential drinking water. The harder the water, the more sodium they release into the water. It is now widely known that this is unhealthy. Info about sodium
Chile: Innovative Swiss Technology Increases Water Efficiency in mining
This article originally appeared in Chile's El Mercurio newspaper. IST Group (AQUA4D Chile) and SGS have reached an agreement to introduce innovative and sustainable technology for water resource optimization and efficiency in mining processes. Water scarcity, salinity and water
Micro- and Macro-structure Changes of Soil under AQUA4D® Irrigation
This is an adapted version of an article published in the journal Soil & Tillage Research (2020) With an increase of high-profile projects in various countries, the effects of AQUA4D® technology on irrigation water are being increasingly studied. However,
“This irrigation technology can solve issues for many farmers around the world.” – Q&A with Yvain Mirabal
Coming from international roles with Irrigaronne and Linsday Corporation, Yvain Mirabal is embarking on a new challenge heading up the new Macro Irrigation business unit at AQUA4D. Here he explains what convinced him to make this change – and how
Turkey: Soilless Strawberry Grower Boosts Roots and Overall Health in 6 Months
Çiltar Tarim Enterprises, based in Turkey’s Central Anatolia region, has a proud history of strawberry seedling cultivation stretching back four decades. Always ready to try new technologies to optimize their production, in 2020 they installed the AQUA4D® system –
Improving Plant Performance Under Extreme Environmental Conditions: Reflections From Brazil
George Hércules de Melo explores the effects of water-smart technology in challenging irrigation settings.
Physical Water Treatments: Differences, Operation and Efficiency Monitoring
Definition of Physical Water Treatments in Context with Other Types of Treatments At Wikipedia one finds under the term "processes of water treatment" under physical processes actually chemical processes. So it says there e.g. aeration, atomization, sedimentation, flotation, adsorption.
Jeff Nunes on Disruptive Agtech, Saving Water, and Solving Salinity in California
"With AQUA4D entailing less fertilizer use and less frequent irrigation, this means savings of fertilizers, water, and manpower - this is the dawn of a new agricultural era."
Water-Smart Irrigation has Huge Impacts on Salinity in the Central Valley
With these recent successes at almond and pistachio orchards, AQUA4D® has shown it is the most efficient soil salinity solution currently on the market.
AQUA4D: The Roadmap to Water Efficiency in Chile
With proven results around the world, AQUA4D® technology is well-placed alleviate the resource challenges faced by Chile and Latin America.
AQUA4D® Earns Significant ROI on Hen Farm in Turkey
SITUATION At A.B. Gida, a large laying hen farm in Turkey, managers were faced with persistent blockages in their water systems which were influencing the health of their hens. Farm managers chose to use physical water treatment to clean
Swiss Technology in Brazil: Irrigation Uniformity Across Distances, Water Efficiency and Fast ROI
Brazilian growers are adopting AQUA4D® to optimize irrigation, promote water efficiency, and restore soils. Here are some of the proven benefits.
Optimism for Moroccan Agriculture: Proven Technology Offers Water Savings and Combats Salinity
Like many countries, Morocco is faced with increasing water scarcity and drought. Thankfully, help is at hand thanks to the growth of efficiency-boosting innovations in agtech.
AQUA4D: Integrating Water Optimization into Agriculture 4.0
This article originally appeared in the AgriHebdo magazine (in French). Click here to access the original. Water is precious: AQUA4D has developed a system that not only saves water but uses its inherent characteristics to solve several challenges facing
Swiss Technology Solves Salinity in Seville Orange Trees
What started as an endeavor to solve a salinity issue gave this orange grower increased yields, water savings, and a sustainable technology offering climate resilience for many years to come.
How Irrigation Water Quality Influences Production in Brazil
With AQUA4D® treatment there is a noticeable improvement in the relationship of water with the soil and the plant. In various regions of Brazil and the world, this technology consistently gives positive results, water savings, desalination of soils, and gains in yields, plant health and fruit quality.
Ecological Solution for Water Systems Gains Regional Endorsement
After numerous installations proving the efficiency of AQUA4D® in buildings in Valais, Switzerland, the regional government has now explicitly mentioned this technology in their directives for energy and resource use.
“The potential is huge”: Wine industry expert joins the growing AQUA4D team in Chile
"Coming from a vineyard where technology was one of its main pillars, I see that the potential is gigantic...AQUA4D treats the irrigation water, a transversal element in the Chilean viticulture, where the efficiency demands are higher and higher. The impact is at all levels: In production issues efficiencies, savings and quality improvements are generated."
Developing Circular Water Efficiency Across Multiple Industries
Developing Circular Water Efficiency Across Multiple Industries In many ways, AQUA4D has always been ahead of the curve. Water efficiency is truly hitting the headlines in 2020, with water stress becoming a hot issue in many countries, and new
Sustainable Water Treatment by AQUA4D – Bâtitech Magazine
This article, originally published in Bâtitech magazine, highlights AQUA4D's sustainable water treatment in three different sectors.
David Clay Discusses Optimized Irrigation Technology for California
Here we meet Aqua4D California's newest team member to discuss water savings and precision irrigation for the Central Valley and beyond.
How is COVID-19 Affecting the Growth of Agtech?
These stories from around the world show how producers & innovators are adapting, how the crisis is exacerbating existing water and resource issues, and how traditional agriculture is turning to agtech faster than ever before.
AQUA4D Redeploys 3D Printers to Help Hospitals’ COVID-19 Efforts
Aqua4D redeploys 3D printers to help hospitals' COVID-19 efforts Switzerland, like most other countries in the world, is currently gripped and brought to a standstill by the coronavirus crisis. But although companies have depleted staff numbers, with many self-isolating
AQUA4D boosted by Swiss Climate Foundation support
Aqua4D boosted by Swiss Climate Foundation support Swiss cleantech firm Aqua4D is bringing its water-smart irrigation solution to ever more growers in 2020: A brand-new HQ in Valais, Switzerland, gives the company a solid base from which to grow,
Dutch Flower Producer Sustainably Overcomes Nematodes, Increases Quality
Dutch growers are known optimizing every aspect of their growing process. However, in some cases a humble foe persists in causing problems: the nematode. Thankfully, a new cleantech Swiss innovation can eliminate these pests - and increase growth and quality.
17 Commitments to Combat Water Scarcity in Agriculture
On World Water Day, delegates agreed on active measures to combat the growing water crisis. Here we highlight the ways in which Aqua4D is fulfilling these goals and encouraging good water management.
True Cleantech Efficiency: Reducing Emissions While Saving Water
AQUA4D® offers a cutting-edge solution which saves water, leaches salts, and even allows for irrigation with poor quality or saline water. What's more, these solutions also lead to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions outlined here.
12 Reasons 2019 was a Great 12 Months
This time of year is always a reflective time, anticipating the year ahead and looking back on the last 12 months. 2019 was an especially landmark year for us at Aqua4D. Here are some of our highlights.
Improving Climate Resilience Through Water-Smart Irrigation
Becoming climate resilient can be as simple as increasing efficiency through plug-and-play solutions and making subtle changes to irrigation management.
Water-Efficient Irrigation for Chile’s Largest Reforestation Project
Aqua4D has joined forces with IST Group to support the largest reforestation initiative in Chile, as part of the 6D movement. Making news across the country, 15,000 trees were planted in Renca, Santiago.
Climate Show: Food Security & Climate-Smart Agriculture @ AQUA4D, Sierre
Climate Show: Food Security & Climate-Smart Agriculture @ Aqua4D, Sierre Last week, Aqua4D had the honour of welcoming some of the brightest innovators from Switzerland and beyond to its new HQ in Sierre, Valais. The Climate Show arrived in
Swiss Technology Allows Irrigation with Saline Water
In North Africa and the Middle East, food producers face two common and related antagonists: soil salinity and poor-quality water with high salt content. Growers are now increasingly turning to new agricultural technologies to overcome this.
Drone Flights Show Benefits of AQUA4D Irrigation on Almond Trees
We’re still in the early years of the 4.0 revolution, but precision measurements and big data are already transforming many industries – none more so than agriculture.
Water-Smart Agriculture: the Efficiency Drive the World Needs
This is a version of an article which appeared in November 2019's Irrigazette, a leading international irrigation magazine.
Highlights from Horticultural Innovation Roadshow in the Netherlands
Aqua4D was delighted to take part in a recent horticultural roadshow in the Netherlands, a series of seminars on the latest innovations in horticulture and precision irrigation technology.
Water Innovation Presented to Chilean Delegation for Sustainable Mining
Having yielded superb results in agriculture (water savings, increased production) and buildings (unclogging and limescale removal), Planet Horizons’ Aqua4D technology is drawing interest from industrial sectors to see how this innovation can increase sustainability and efficiencies.
Ag 4.0 in Action: Real-time Plant Measurements and Optimized Irrigation
“As we say in Holland, measuring is knowing,” says 2Grow co-founder Olivier Begerem with a knowing smile. “In horticulture there are still too many things being done based on assumptions, still too many mistakes being made. In our opinion it’s time to stop assuming and start measuring.”
AQUA4D Solves Clogging and Saves Water in French Flower Greenhouse
Morel Diffusion is a cyclamen seed producer, known worldwide for its colourful varieties. Headquartered in Frejus, southeastern France, their site covers a greenhouse area of 3 ha and 5000 m2 dedicated to R&D.
How AQUA4D Enables Huge Water Savings Through Optimized Irrigation
We are in the midst of an unprecedented water crisis. South American regions are declaring an agricultural state of emergency, California’s wells are running dry, and countries from Belgium to Botswana are facing significant water stress. But there’s hope on the horizon, thanks to water-smart technologies.
Chile’s National Irrigation Commission Visit AQUA4D project
After meeting recently at an industry event at the Swiss Embassy in Santiago, the National Irrigation Commission (CNR) were intrigued to find out more about how Aqua4D can help alleviate Chile’s growing water crisis.
Podcast: Aqua4D on Chile’s Radio Agricultura
This is an extract from a recent interview given to Radio Agricultura in Chile, where Felipe Villarino discusses the 2030 Water Awareness program and how new technologies like Aqua4D can help address the water crisis in Chile.
Precision Irrigation Solutions from the Heart of Switzerland
With academic origins at an alpine university and now headquartered in the wine and ski region of Valais, Aqua4D is Swiss through and through. But it goes much deeper than just the red and white flag.
AQUA4D is hiring! Join our Technical Agronomist team. Apply now.
Be part of a fast-growing, innovative and sustainable Swiss company. Now recruiting a Technical Sales Agronomist for an exciting new project.
Salinity Solution Saves Brazilian Mango Crops
The São Francisco Valley is one of Brazil’s “fruit baskets”, producing most of the country’s grape and mango exports.
Aqua4D chosen as one of the prestigious “1000 Solutions” for a sustainable future
After a long appraisal process, Aqua4D has been officially named one of the “1000 Solutions” chosen by the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions.
Sustainable, Chemical-free Nematode Control in Senegal
After persistent loss of yield due to nematodes, and a desire to move towards a more sustainable agriculture, these growers in Senegal looked to the Aqua4D system after having seen its successes in other countries.
Industry Stakeholders Discuss Water Efficiency at Swiss Embassy in Chile
Water scarcity is now an increasing environmental concern around the world. Nowhere is this more pressing than in Chile, a country on the frontline of this growing crisis.
Felipe Villarino Discusses Greater Water Efficiency on Chile’s Radio Zero
Felipe Villarino from Aqua4D Chile recently took part in a stimulating discussion with Radio Zero’s WorkCafe program. The full interview is available to listen to here (in Spanish), and also in text format below.
AQUA4D Celebrates 15 Year Anniversary in Style
To mark 15 years since the company’s establishment, Aqua4D hosted a celebration at its new headquarters in Valais, Switzerland. Around 100 guests gathered on the roof, with the Swiss mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop.
Stunning Water Savings in South of Spain – Results
A big part of Aqua4D’s work is its team of experts who constantly visit client sites and consult on optimizing irrigation to get the most out of the company’s patented technology. Back in October 2018, Aqua4D Field Engineer, Hugo Gaignebet, wrote a progress report for this blog.
Chilean Avocado Producers are Innovating for Water Efficiency
Now over ten times more popular than in the 1980s, in some ways the avocado has been a victim of its own success. Its notoriety (particularly amongst millennials) has brought its supposed water footprint in Chile under the spotlight, but often in reports which turn a blind eye to other water-thirsty crops.
Alberto Femenia on water savings and nematode control in Argentina
Alberto Femenia sits before us wearing an immaculate suit and a wise smile. He’s a true veteran in the agri-business, having headed up Casa Femenia for almost half a century.
João Suss on Higher Yields and Sustainable Agriculture in Brazil
On a recent visit to our new Headquarters in Sierre, Joao Suss shared his thoughts on sustainable agriculture and his experience with the Aqua4D system in Brazil.
Water Use in California: The Inside Story
Walter K. Thut, the Swiss co-founder of Aqua4D, is now based in California. On a recent visit to Gemperle Family Farms in Turlock, he wanted to find out more about water use in the almond industry, beyond the headlines. He spoke to Richard Gemperle about this and more:
Almonds: Higher Yields, Less Water?
As part of the new Aqua4D website, all Field References are now viewable online. Here we introduce one of the most recent: Almonds.
Academic link-up in Chile for technology transfer & water savings research
Aqua4D Chile is delighted to have signed a national-level agreement with the INACAP Technological University of Chile. The agreement pertains to technology transfer for the efficient use of water in the agriculture industry, and will allow the university’s almost 200,000 students access to Aqua4D’s innovative irrigation technology.
10 ways AQUA4D is a winner for your business and the planet
Hot on the heels of Aqua4D’s appearance in the innovation final at the Climate Show in Lausanne, here’s a closer look at how this Swiss Cleantech company’s technology can save all kinds of natural – and monetary – resources, while contributing to both sustainable...
AQUA4D into the final at the Climate Show innovation competition
The Climate Show 2019 is being held in Lausanne, Switzerland this week, with a special focus on rising companies with technologies and solutions for climate protection and sustainability. Aqua4D were shortlisted for the keynote innovation competition as part ...
How AQUA4D® Boosts Water Use Efficiency with Precision Irrigation
“Projected climate change impacts are expected to reduce water supplies and increase water demand. The economic health and sustainability of irrigated agriculture will depend on the ability of producers to adapt to growing constraints on water, particularly...
Aqua4D joins the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions
Aqua4D is delighted to have been welcomed as a member of the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions at the end of 2018, with a view to becoming one of the 1000 Solutions it champions.
Aqua4D Gains EU Horizon 2020 Funding for Game-changing new Innovation
After a proven record of success with various crops over the last decade, Aqua4D has been given initial Phase 1 funding by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (under grant agreement No 815633) to explore the possibility...
10 reasons why 2018 was a landmark year for Aqua4D
As we the curtain falls on another year, we look back at some of the true highlights of a great 12 months:
Impressive results for French grower in just 8 weeks
Patrick Limousin is based in the Rhône-Alpes region of France, and his company produces around 100 million young plants per year (lettuces, cabbages, melons, and more). After being beset by persistent limescale problems, he contracted Aqua4D to see if they could help solve this issue.
Floralis (Netherlands) gains tangible results with the AQUA4D® system
Originally published in Dutch in Blomen Planten Nieuws, 12 December 2018 The flower grower Lisianthuskwekerij Floralis is, in their own words, fond of experimenting and improving, says Jan-Willem Aarse. “We like to see how it can be cleaner, more sustainable and better.
AQUA4D People: Walter K. Thut
After his recent move to California to work as USA Manager, we caught up with Aqua4D co-founder Walter K. Thut for an in-depth conversation about past, present, and future.
Interview: Pedro Vega (Latamseeds) at AgroAlimentaria 2018, Mexico
At AgroAlimentaria 2018 in Guanajuato, Mexico, Patrick Rosat took a moment to speak with Pedro Vega, Director General of Latamseeds, about the past year and how things are looking for 2019.
Avocados: Innovative Irrigation Solution Increases Yields and Export Quality
No other fruit has seen such exponential growth in popularity as the once-humble avocado. A firm favorite of the “superfood” category, they’re high in fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. This wasn’t always so;
AQUA4D® Technology Gains CB Certification
After a two-year process of application and thorough testing, AQUAD’s proprietary technology has been granted CB certification by the IECEE.
Aqua4D People: Markus Schwery – Animals & Buildings
At the HQ in Switzerland, we caught up with Markus Schwery, recently appointed as Head of Technical Support for Animals and Buildings, to find out more about this role and this area of Aqua4D.
Sustainable irrigation for the wine industry
A changing climate is having unpredictable consequences on grape crops all around the world. 2017 was anything but a vintage year for wine harvests; the EU hit a 36-year low, while Chilean growers reported an uncharacteristically early harvest with high temperatures and low yields.
Aqua4D on the road: A Spanish Diary
A huge part of what Aqua4D does is not just delivering its plug-and-play solution, but also providing long-term support and project follow-ups. This means that the technical team for each region spends a high percentage of their working life on site visits to various places.
Chile: Huge potential for Aqua4D to improve water efficiency in the mining industry
In mid-October 2018, Patrick Rosat (Global Business Director, Aqua4D) visited Chile for a thoroughly engaging event with the Australia-Chile Chamber of Commerce. This took place in conjunction with Aqua4D’s distributor in Chile, Inversiones Villarino...
Landmark biofilm study in the Netherlands, results due 2019
Along with partner firms WaterQ, Cindro, and Biotamax, Aqua4D is participating in a landmark two-year study between KWR Watercycle Research Institute and Wageningen University.
Aqua4D: Our role in combating climate change
With record temperatures, super storms, raging infernos, and massive flooding, 2018 has been a bad year for Planet Earth. But it may also go down as the year humanity was shocked into making meaningful changes.
Aqua4D at the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Lima
Latin America is an important region for Aqua4D, with several significant projects in countries such as Ecuador, Chile, Peru, Brazil and a team of local agronomists on the ground.
An Innovative Sustainable Solution to Soil Salinity
The issue of salt accumulating in soil is as old as agriculture itself. ‘Salinity crises’ resulted in the collapse of ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia, and salinization was one of the catalysts for the invention of the world’s first irrigation systems[1] [2].
The Benefits of AQUA4D® treated water for Irrigated Coffee Cultivation
This article originally appeared in Portuguese in “Campo & Negocios”, September 2018 Coffee of excellent quality is now being produced in regions previously considered unsuitable due to water scarcity, such as Triângulo Mineiro...
Overcoming sodium and boron problems in Turkish orchards
Almula Tarim have been growing apples successfully in Turkey since 1999. The company’s 740-acre orchard is located in Ulukışla, in the south-central part of the country.
Optimized Irrigation for Melons in Brazil
Melons are a big deal in Brazil, with production totalling 596,430 tons – up from 139,768 as recently as 2000 according to FAOSTAT (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).
AQUA4D: Sustainable Development Goals
AQUA4D is pleased to contribute to a total of 11 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out by the United Nations.
A Sustainable, Long-Lasting Nematode Solution
Nematodes. There may be no other creature so omnipresent around us yet so unknown outside of specialist circles. Nathan Augustus Cobb, widely recognized as the “father of nematology” summed up their ubiquity in a 1915 essay [1]:
Peru: Aqua4D and the blueberry boom
When you think of a Peruvian fruit, it’s probably avocados which spring to mind, and indeed Peru is the largest exporter of the green wonderfruit to Europe. But it’s an unlikely fruit of a different colour which has seen an exponential growth in recent years: the blueberry.
Interview: João Suss (Araunah Tech) at Hortitec 2018
Hortitec is the largest horticulture trade fair in Latin America, held annually in Holambra, São Paulo. Holambra itself is the horticultural epicentre of Brazil and is especially known for flowers – thanks in no small part to its origins as a Dutch colony.
Another successful GreenTech in Amsterdam, June 2018
The 3rd edition of GreenTech drew to a close on June 14th, after three successful days of sharing ideas, showcasing new products and discussing fruitful new collaborations.
Aqua4D People: Hugo Gaignebet
We caught up with Hugo Gaignebet, Technical Support at the Aqua4D HQ in Sierre, Switzerland.
Towards a chemical-free elimination of biofilm
Biofilm is defined as an “aggregate of bacteria that adheres to a surface”[1]. This so-called “bacterial adhesion”[2] is like a living tissue on the pipe’s surface, and is a paradise for bacteria of all kinds, providing a nutrient-rich environment which facilitates growth.
Game changer: new pre-assembled Aqua4D skid released
Aqua4D is excited to announce the release of its first ready-made 24 x TU 360 skid system. Sometimes referred to as a “system in a box”, a skid is a process unit which is manufactured off-site as a self-contained system.
Aqua4D makes a splash on the coast in Ecuador
From March 23-25, Aqua4D and our distributor Tonello Soluciones Integralestook part in AGROEXPO 2018 in Guayaquil, Ecuador, an event which drew over 60,000 visitors from the region’s agricultural sector.
Farmers across the world reap the benefits
Month by month, year by year, Aqua4D Water Solutions has achieved consistently impressive results across the globe, enabling farmers to increase yields and profits while overcoming poor soil and water conditions.
Aqua4D Water Solutions continues expansion in California and Washington
Aqua4D Water Solutions continues to expand its footprint in the U.S. agriculture industry, particularly in California and Washington.
Why California’s growers should invest in water efficiency now
The 2016-17 rain and snow season will long be remembered by California farmers. Not only did it end the five-year drought, it did it in historic fashion.
Boron, sodium levels sharply decline in Turkey apple orchard
Almula Tarim has been growing apples successfully in Turkey since 1999. The company’s 740-acre orchard is located in Ulukışla, in the south-central part of the country.
Using less fertilizer reduces costs for California farmers
Fertilizer use varies from field to field and orchard to orchard, but it annually ranks as one of the major costs confronting California growers.