Happico method
The Happico method is based on the carefully controlled use of ozone water and its cleansing effect. Ozone water is a non-toxic disinfectant leaving no residue in products or the environment.
The method is a pioneering, research-based innovation which, when used correctly, can replace and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Different conditions of applications and pest problems are the starting point for selecting suitable equipment and control system. In greenhouse cultivation and its environment, it is important to maintain overall purity of pests in both irrigation systems and culture.
Each piece of equipment is designed according to the customer’s needs and facilities. The equipment has easy automation, monitoring and alarm devices. Happico Oy also provides user training and detailed operating instructions for preventing each pest and disease.
Happico method in greenhouses
In greenhouse cultivation it is especially important to ensure both irrigation system and plants are free from pests and diseases. Disinfection with ozone water is suitable for e.g.:
- Irrigation pipes and fertilizing system
- Pipes for collecting over-irrigation water
- Sand filters
- Cultivation gutters and hard surfaces of cultivation structures
- Greenhouses, workspaces, storages, and tools
Ozone water as a disinfectant and its safety
The method is a disinfection program developed for growth production based on the cleansing effect of ozone water. The research based on the method has been carried out at the LUKE Piikkiö research station under the supervision of the emeritus professor Risto Tahvonen. Based on these scientific studies disinfection program can be configured to suit different purposes. Ozone water is produced electrically by equipment with operation controls with monitoring and alarm systems.
Image from the Finnish Meteorological Institute website describing the formation of ozone.

Safe for plants and humans

Using ozone water on growth and in closed workspaces doesn’t require special protective equipment and disinfected spaces can be taken immediately to use.
Ozone dissolved in water remains functional and disinfective in closed tanks and pipes for app 30-40 minutes. It then breaks down into an oxygen molecule. In tanks, ozone is not released into the air in the form of gas.
During sterilization in the greenhouse, ozone levels in the air do not rise because ozone is directly converted to oxygen in water droplets. Growth mediums, rock wool and peat decompose ozone immediately when in contact with ozone water. Therefore, irrigation with ozone water don’t cause reduction in crops or quality. This is a significant advantage when cleaning irrigation pipes from pathogens during cultivation. No chemical treatment has this feature.
Publications
Puutarha & kauppalehti
- 4.9.2020, issue 14:
Lupaava uusi keino kasvinsuojeluun - 27.11.2020, issue 19 :
Uudet innovaatiot auttavat viljelijää, Happico Oy:lle innovaatiopalkinto, mullistaako otsonivesi kasvinsuojelun? – Professori Risto Tahvonen ja Happico Oy - 12.3.2021, issue 5:
Pythium-tauti selätettiin Kaarinassa
Landsbygdens Folk
- 5.2.2021:
Otsonivesi kemikaalittomaan vedenpuhdistukseen kasvihuoneissa
Maaseudun Tulevaisuus
- 5.6.2021:
Professori Risto Tahvonen: ”Väärin käytettynä voi vioittaa kasvia”
Puutarha-Sanomat
- 6/2021:
Risto Tahvonen: Otsonivesi tulee korvaamaan torjunta-aineita merkittävästi


Olimme mukana Lepaa 2022 -messuilla 11.–13. 8.2022. Oli mukavaa, että osastollamme kävi paljon messuvieraita, jotka ehtivät pysähtyä hetkeksi juttelemaan kanssamme. – Kiitos kaikille osastollamme vierailleille!