Learning Opportunity: Using Bioreactors to Reduce Agrochemicals in Production Water

As water security grows as a concern and challenge for growers, it’s important to keep accessible water clean and safe, thereby protecting your crops, your budget, and your bottom line.

American Floral Endowment‘s upcoming webinar, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, as part of its ongoing Grow Pro series, will cover how bioreactors can be used as a practical, cost-effective tool to reduce agrochemicals in agricultural production water. Topics of the webinar will include:

• How microbial communities drive contaminant breakdown
• How woodchip-based bioreactors work
• Making sure you’re complying with regulations while protecting your operation
• Strategies to improve system effectiveness and startup time

The featured speaker for “Bioreactors for Reduction of Agrochemicals in Agricultural Production Water” is Dr. Tom Fernandez, a Professor who teaches Landscape Plant Identification and Nursery Management at Michigan State University. His research and Extension program focuses on water quality and management for nursery production, while other work and interests of his include the use of RFID to facilitate precision agriculture for container production.

Willing participants can register for the webinar directly through Zoom or by visiting the Grow Pro Webinar series page on the AFE website, where information on future webinars in the series can be found. Recordings of all past Grow Pro webinars can also be found on the AFE’s YouTube channel.