How long can you keep water in the tank?

How long can you keep water in the tank? Another of the questions that many growers ask themselves, since the irrigation water is very important for the plants and a bad state of this water can suppose the loss of our dear harvest. The nutrient solution has a duration, that depending on the conservation that we give it will be greater or smaller and now we will see a few cases.

Irrigation water plays a crucial role in the development of our plants. Its quality and condition can determine the success or failure of the crop. Therefore, it is important to understand how the conservation of water in our tanks affects its durability and, consequently, the well-being of the plants. To do this, a number of factors that can affect water durability must be taken into account, in order to know how the water is conserved.

How long does it take for water in a tank to rot?

Water in hazardous tanks can rot. To avoid this, certain factors such as the type of fertilizer used must be taken into account. Thus, the duration of rotting can be differentiated according to the type of fertilizer used:

Use of organic fertilizers

When we opt for organic or biological fertilizers, it is essential to use the irrigation water the same day of its preparation. The nutrients in these fertilizers decompose more quickly, which can alter their composition and effectiveness. Brands such as BioBizz, Terra Aquatica or Canna offer a biological line. This type of fertilizer once used in the irrigation water, does not allow a prolonged conservation, since the nutrients decompose, rotting when being so long in the water, changing the composition.

This happens in most of them, except for some exceptions specifically designed for hydroponic systems that can extend their shelf life up to a week. 

In addition, the slow absorption of these nutrients suggests an alternation in irrigation with pure water to avoid overfertilization and clogging of drippers, thus recommending manual watering for those who prefer organic fertilizers.

Use of chemical or mineral fertilizers

On the other hand, to keep water in the tank, chemical or mineral fertilizers offer greater flexibility in terms of irrigation water conservation. A water mixture with these fertilizers can be kept from a few days to two weeks, depending on its handling and treatment. 

To prevent rapid water degradation and water rotting in just a few days, it is suggested to avoid exposure to light and the use of pumps to keep the water moving, which also increases its oxygen content, thus benefiting the plants.

How to keep water in the tank for longer?

To keep water in the tank in a simple way, the following products can be used to improve irrigation water:

Hydroponic and drip irrigation systems

The implementation of drip irrigation or hydroponics systems not only facilitates the management of large quantities of plants but also improves the conservation of irrigation water, extending its durability thanks to the constant movement of water.

Installation of a filter 

The addition of a filter similar to those used in aquariums, can purify the water in the irrigation water tank, removing organic substances and providing an environment rich in microorganisms beneficial to the roots. This not only cleans the water but also enriches it, extending its useful life by up to 15 days.

Use an irrigation system cleaner

Using irrigation system cleaners such as Ata Clean in the irrigation water mix can prevent salt buildup in the system, making it easier to maintain and reducing the risk of clogged irrigation.

Control pH and EC

It is vital to correctly measure the pH and adjust it with a regulator that does not significantly alter the electrical conductivity (EC) of the water, thus ensuring optimal nutrition for the plants. In case of the need to top up the reservoir, it is important to adjust the amount of fertilizer according to the volume of water added, avoiding excesses harmful to the plants.

Understanding how to manage irrigation water and its nutrients is essential to maintain a healthy and productive crop, as well as knowing how long it takes for the water in the tank to rot. Through proper fertilizer selection and water conservation techniques, plant well-being and crop success can be assured.