Technical Advisory: Ferro (Iron Oxide)

Formation in Soil & Recommended Treatment Protocol

1. Background

Recent water chemistry results for the site indicate very high dissolved ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) and elevated organic iron / organic carbon, consistent with groundwater intersecting an ancient swamp layer or hypoxic sediment deposit.Such conditions generate continuous, high-volume ferro precipitation once water is exposed to atmospheric oxygen.

This advisory outlines the mechanisms involved, the field impacts on irrigation systems and soils, and the appropriate treatment sequence using Aquatek, StainStopper Pulse, and BoreSaver products.

2. Ferro Formation Mechanisms

Dissolved ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) is stable in anoxic groundwater. Upon pumping and aerial exposure, it undergoes rapid oxidation:

Fe²⁺ → Fe³⁺ → Fe(OH)₃ / Fe₂O₃ (iron oxide/sludge).

In the presence of organics:

• Iron complexes with humic/fulvic acids

• Bioavailable iron fuels iron-related bacteria

• Oxide/humate sludge becomes sticky and highly adhesive

• Precipitates accumulate in soil and hardware

The resulting material (“ferro”) comprises:

• Ferric hydroxide

• Ferric oxide

• Iron–humate sludge

• Iron bacterial biofilm

• Mixed colloids

This material binds strongly to soil particles, root surfaces, polymers, and irrigation components.

3. Field Impact Assessment

3.1 Soil & Hydraulic Conductivity

Ferro precipitates fill pore spaces, reducing:

• Soil permeability

• Infiltration capacity

• Vertical water movement

• Lateral distribution

Effects mimic compaction and hydrophobicity:

• Water pools at surface

• Uneven wetting patterns

• Localised dry spots

• Restricted oxygen exchange at root interface

3.2 Root Zone Effects

Iron oxide coats root hairs, generating:

• Impaired water uptake

• Reduced nutrient absorption

• Oxidative stress

• Stunted growth response

Ferro can also create cementation around perennial roots, reducing new root initiation.

3.3 Leaf-Surface Fouling

Aerosolised iron particles and dissolved iron spray landing on foliage oxidise into fine ferric film.

Consequences:

• Stomatal blockage

• Poor transpiration efficiency

• Reduced photosynthetic activity

• Heat stress susceptibility

Visible symptoms include dull leaves, reduced vigour, and chlorotic patches unrelated to nutrient deficiency.

3.4 Irrigation Infrastructure Fouling

Ferro accumulates within:

• Nozzles

• Drip emitters

• Pop-up sprinklers

• Filter assemblies

• Solenoid diaphragms

• Pump impellers

This results in:

• Reduced discharge rates

• Pressure imbalance

• Non-uniform precipitation

• Component seizure/failure

• Increased pump cycling frequency

4. Treatment Protocol Using Aquatek & StainStopper Pulse

4.1 Ferro Prevention in Distribution System

Aquatek inhibits oxidation by complexing Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ into a stable, non-reactive, water-soluble form.

Key treatment functions:

• Prevents oxidation of dissolved iron

• Stops formation of iron oxide, humate sludge, and biofilm

• Keeps iron in solution beyond the root zone

• Prevents staining on hard surfaces, plants, and infrastructure

The StainStopper Pulse ensures flow-proportional dosing, critical in high-iron bores where hourly usage fluctuates.

4.2 Contractor Note: Dosing Behaviour

Under high-iron conditions or high irrigation throughput, consumption rises proportionally.For this reason, rural/acreage clients typically transition from 5 L packs to 200 L bulk drums to reduce per-hour operating costs by ~50%.

5. Remediation of Existing Ferro in Soil & System

5.1 Passive Remediation (Aquatek ongoing use)

After 8–12 weeks of continuous supply:

• Existing iron oxide in root zone begins to disaggregate

• Blocked pore spaces gradually open

• Soil infiltration improves

• Root uptake efficiency increases

• Leaf-surface fouling decreases due to lower iron load

This recovery is progressive, depending on soil texture and irrigation frequency.

5.2 Active Remediation (BoreSaver Products)

5.2.1 BoreSaver Ultra C

For use where:

• Iron bacteria are present

• Thick ferric/humate sludge exists

• Filters and pipework show advanced fouling

Ultra C breaks down:

• Iron oxide layers

• Organic slimes

• Biofilm matrices

• Mixed ferrous/ferric deposits

Safe for pumps, reticulation PVC/PE components, and in-soil discharge.

5.2.2 Mechanical Assistance (if required)

In severe cases, apply:

• Line flushing

• Sprinkler stripping/cleaning

• Filter housing descaling

• Temporary chlorination or peroxide shock (site-specific assessment required)

6. Contractor Implementation Notes

6.1 Monitoring

• Check Aquatek reservoir weekly for first month

• Verify dosing pulses during irrigation cycle

• Inspect emitters for post-treatment improvement

• Record soil infiltration changes via simple percolation test

6.2 Client Advisory

• Expect gradual visual improvements in turf/plant vigour

• Fertiliser requirements may decrease due to restored absorption

• Watering schedules often shorten after ferro removal from root zone

6.3 Long-Term Management

• Maintain continuous dosing

• Use 200 L bulk container for high-iron sites

• Conduct annual BoreSaver inspection for reticulation fouling

• Treat wells every 12–24 months in high-organic aquifers

7. Summary for Contractors

• The site exhibits extreme dissolved iron with organic contamination.

• Ferro formation is inevitable without treatment and causes widespread soil, plant, and equipment issues.

• Aquatek + StainStopper Pulse prevents new ferro and gradually reverses existing deposits.

• BoreSaver products address severe internal fouling where needed.

• Bulk Aquatek supply is the most economical long-term option for this site.