18 WATER conservation nfrom pg 17


of the greenhouse and a portion of the expansive 70- acre container yard and stored in two massive retention ponds capable of holding 40 million gallons each. They’re among the largest in Canada, and supply irrigation water to the farm. But it’s not just rainwater that ends up in the ponds. Surplus irrigation water flows here, too, and is recirculated through the system so that not a drop is wasted. Before being reapplied to the plants, a sophisticated Erfgoed water system assesses the nutrient content of the water. “Any water that’s not used


by the plant simply goes back to the water pond. The system, next time it uses it, says, ‘Okay, how much fertilizer do I need to add?’” explains Van Oort. “The system is constantly analyzing that water and adding nutrients as necessary.” The system is a first for


North America, Van Oort explains, and anticipates government moves to require greenhouses and nurseries to collect and recirculate their irrigation water. “We know it’s coming in


the future, so as a team we decided that, proactively, we’re going to do things right,” he says. “Now you’re starting to save the environment by not only better water management but more importantly, even, you’re not putting things like nitrates and potassium back into fish-bearing streams.” The system doesn’t test water for contaminants or


microbes, but water samples are sent every two weeks for analysis to monitor for risks. Van Oort says he’s relying on the design of the container yards and greenhouse to mitigate risks. Both sit atop several layers of gravel, which filter irrigation water prior to it flowing into the retention ponds. The natural filtration system develops its own biome that helps to fight contamination. “There’s a natural resistance to disease built into the floors,” Van Oort explains. “It builds up a good biosphere to fight diseases and pests naturally, without chemicals.” The one addition he hopes


to make to the system is a bioswale that will recirculate water from the retention ponds around their perimeter, further cleansing and oxygenating it. The gravel bed in the state-


of-the art greenhouses built as part of the current expansion is also key to an ebb-and-flood irrigation system that’s enhances water management. “Rather than making the


plants wet, the water comes up through the floor,” Van Oort says. “The water is going into the gravel and coming up underneath the plants until the plants are sitting in water. They drink as much as they need, then the water ebbs back away.” The system doesn’t come


cheap. While land costs in Rosedale run about $80,000 an acre, the container yard alone cost $100,000 an acre to develop. Qualitree believes it


COUNTRY LIFE IN BC • SEPTEMBER 2018


Qualitree’s operation includes greenhouses and outdoor production on 100 acres in Rosedale. SUBMITTED PHOTOS


will pay off, however. The business plan calls for sales to expand from $15 million today to $25 million by 2025. “It’s a big investment, but it


will pay off,” Van Oort says. “The cost savings over time will justify the investment. It’s definitely not a quick pay-off … but we’re here for the long- term, and we’re here to create a sustainable business for our children and grandchildren.”


An investment in state-of-the-art equipment will reduce dependency on manual labour for Qualitree.


Load compaction offers up to 50% additional capacity. Save time and fuel.


BOSS 2 BOSS 2HD LEAVE IT TO THE BOSS.


The Bale BOSS 2 is the perfect tool for all of your large square bale processing needs. From bedding to feeding, the Boss 2 can manage it all.


The Bale BOSS 2 can be customized with an optional narrow wheel track making it ideal for spreading straw over delicate berry fields. This option also includes suitcase weights to balance the unit.


Specifications BOSS 2 BOSS 2 HD HP Required PTO


80-180 120-250 540 or 1,000 RPM


Bale Capacity 22 Bale Sizes


Number of Flails Top Paddle Roller


20 Yes


36” x 36” x 108” 48” x 36” x 108” 48” x 48” x 108”


39 No


Richard Wylie


WE IMPORT, DISTRIBUTE, MANUFACTURE, REFURBISH AND SERVICE AGRICULTURE EQUIPMENT IN THE FRASER VALLEY.


browse NEW & USED FARM equipment on our web site


Equipment Sales Consultant Cell 604.751.1014


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