Abstract: Sodium ortho-phenylphenate is admixed with water to produce a process water for treating produce. Potassium carbonate is admixed with the process water in an amount necessary to necessary to raise the specific gravity of the process water to a level whereat it will float fruits and vegetables that would otherwise tend to sink in the process water. When a chlorine-based biocide is used in the process water potassium bicarbonate is used to provide the desired specific gravity of the process water. Over time, used process water is cleaned by settling, by use of a filter, or by use of some other mechanical separating equipment, and the cleaned process water is recycled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and composition for inhibiting biological fouling in an irrigation system. According to the invention, an effective amount of active zinc is added to irrigation water passing through an irrigation system to inhibit biological fouling. In a preferred form of the invention, the active zinc is chelated with 1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDPA). In addition to inhibiting the formation of biological fouling in the system, the active zinc provides nourishment to plants irrigated by the irrigation system.

Abstract: A chlorine dioxide solution is sprayed onto produce that includes at least one contaminant which can be debris, soil, fungus and/or organic chemicals. Sprayers are used to spray the chloride dioxide solution on the produce to wash the contaminant from the produce. The produce may be placed on a conveyor and the conveyor may be used to move the produce under the sprayers while the sprayers are used to spray chlorine dioxide solution onto the produce. The conveyor may include rotating brushes that come in contact with the produce, such that the brushes that brush the produce and mechanically remove debris and residue from the produce. Rinsing sprayers may be provided over the conveying path downstream of the sprayer that sprays the chlorine dioxide solution on the produce. The rinsing sprayers may be used to spray the produce with potable rinse water.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for growing a plant in soil while irrigating the soil with water which contains deposit forming minerals. According to the present invention, an effective amount of 1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDPA) is admixed with irrigation water and applied to the soil in which the plant is growing.

Abstract: A method for treating fresh produce to remove debris and inhibit the growth of fungus on the produce and a method for treating contaminants in process water. According to the present invention, the produce is submerged in process water in an amount sufficient to clean substantially all debris from the surface of the produce, inhibit growth of fungus on the produce and treat contaminants in the process water.