Optimisation of stabilised hydrogen peroxide use for drip irrigation

Abstract Strong acids and chlorinated products are widely utilised for the maintenance of drip irrigation facilities worldwide. This research evaluated low concentration (10 ppm) of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) products, in drip irrigation water, sourced from H2O2 containing high concentration (30,000 ppm) of an organic stabilizer (H2O2 High) and from H2O2 containing a low concentration (30 ppm) of the same stabiliser (H2O2 Low), evaluated in laboratory and field for effect on drip emitters, seed germination, seedling and crop growth, soil and water parameters. Findings from this research showed that seed germination was not impacted by H2O2 up to 5000 ppm. Positive effects on seed germination were noted for mungbean (Vigna radiata L.), egg plant (Solanum melongena L.), okra (Abelmoshus esculentus L.), chive (Allium porrum L.) and rocket (Eruca sativa L.) treated with 100 ppm H2O2. H2O2 High up to 1000 ppm did not negatively impact seed germination in other species tested. Root and shoot growth were enhanced in some species at lower concentration of H2O2 High, but were negatively impacted by higher H2O2 High concentrations for all crops except for corn. The negative effects on root and shoot growth were generally noted at higher concentrations (>1000 ppm). Therefore, continuous injection of H2O2 at low concentration (