Blog – News
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
Last week, Aqua4D had the honour of welcoming some of the brightest innovators from Switzerland and beyond to its new HQ in Sierre, Valais.
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 Monitoring Provides Irrigation Insights to Almond Producers
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.
From John Deere to Aqua4D: Meet the Agtech Expert Bringing Water Savings and Efficiency to the Central Valley
After many years at John Deere's Green Tech division, Gregory Ireland has joined the growing Aqua4D California team. Here we found out how his wealth of agtech experience will help bring this efficient water-smart technology to more and more growers in the Central Valley and beyond.
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...
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, Aqua4D’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 leaching solution to the worldwide salinity crisis
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 Electromagnetized 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.
Aqua4D Irrigation Focus: 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.
Aqua4D are recruiting: Global Engineer Support in Agriculture (based in Sierre, Switzerland)
Aqua4D Water Solutions is a Swiss Cleantech company, designing, manufacturing and distributing innovative easy modular systems for an efficient use of irrigation water in over 40 countries.
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.
2nd Open Russia Greenhouse Debate at the Amstel Boathouse, Holland
Hot on the heels of the successful “Orchards of Russia” event in Moscow at the start of the month, Aqua4D was pleased to be invited to participate in the 2nd Open Russia Greenhouse Debate.
Aqua4D at “Orchards of Russia”, Moscow, June 5-6
On the 5th and 6th of June, Aqua4D was honoured to take part in the “Orchards of Russia” event at the Baltschug Kempinski in Moscow, a few blocks away from the Kremlin in the heart of the city.
June: Upcoming events
June is set to be another busy month on the road for Aqua4D, with presence at several events across the continents, looking to introduce its technology to a new audience.
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.
Private: Inroads into Southeast Asia: Vietnam and Thailand
The first stop was Dalat, east of the capital, Ho Chi Minh. A temperate city in an otherwise tropical country, Dalat is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” and is a significant agricultural hotspot in Vietnam for products like cabbage and cauliflower.
Startling early validation results in Thailand
Aqua4D has been conducting the first validation in Thailand, and it has already yielded some astonishing results. The process of “validation” entails side-by-side comparisons in the field so that key data can be measured and analyzed.
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.