WO2016019459A1

WO2016019459A1 - Method for producing biologic-rich agricultural water from seawater

Info

Publication number: WO2016019459A1
Application number: PCT/CA2015/050732
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin J. PICKERING
Original assignee: Pickering Kevin J
Priority date: 2014-08-05
Filing date: 2015-08-04
Publication date: 2016-02-11

Abstract

A method of crop irrigation comprises obtaining seawater containing native biologics, subjecting the seawater to electrodialysis to generate biologic-rich desalinated water, irrigating crops with the biologic-rich desalinated water.

Description

TITLE: METHOD FOR PRODUCING BIOLOGIC-RICH AGRICULTURAL

WATER FROM SEAWATER

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/033,325, filed August 5, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0001 ] The disclosure relates to agricultural water, such as water used for crop irrigation or livestock watering. More specifically, the disclosure relates to methods for producing biologic-rich agricultural water from seawater, and for using said biologic-rich agricultural water.

BACKGROUND

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 6, 187,201 (Abe et al.) purports to disclose a system for producing ultra-pure water. The system has an electrodialysis unit which has a membrane selectively permeable to monovalent cations and a membrane selectively permeable to monovalent anions, and a reverse osmosis unit which is connected after the electrodialysis unit in series.

[0003] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 201 1/0180477 (Ganzi et al.) purports to disclose a low energy system and process for seawater desalination, wherein the system has at least an electrodialysis apparatus that produces partially desalinated water and a brine by-product, an ion exchange softener, and at least one electrodeionization apparatus. The softener treats the partially desalinated water stream to remove or reduce the amount of scaling material in order to maintain deionization apparatus efficiency and reduce energy consumption. The softener has the capability of removing a higher ratio of calcium ions to magnesium ions than is in the partially desalinated stream, thereby reducing softener size and energy use. The deionization apparatus produces product water of the desired properties. The brine stream may be used to regenerate the softener.

SUMMARY

[0004] The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the disclosure, but not to define any invention.

[0005] According to one aspect, a method of crop irrigation comprises a) obtaining seawater containing native biologies, b) subjecting the seawater to eleetrodialysis to generate biologic-rich desalinated water, and c) irrigating crops with the biologic-rich desalinated water.

[0006] According to another aspect, a method of crop irrigation comprises a) obtaining biologic-rich desalinated seawater, and b) irrigating crops with the biologic-rich desalinated seawater.

[0007] According to another aspect, a method of crop irrigation comprises a) obtaining seawater containing native biologies, b) desalinating the seawater while retaining at least a majority of the native biologies therein, to generate biologic-rich desalinated water, and c) irrigating crops with the biologic-rich desalinated water.

[0008] According to another aspect, a use for desalinated seawater that has been desalinated by eleetrodialysis comprises irrigating crops with the desalinated seawater.

[0009] According to another aspect, a method of livestock watering comprises a) obtaining seawater containing native biologies, b) subjecting the seawater to eleetrodialysis to generate biologic-rich desalinated water, and c) watering livestock with the biologic-rich desalinated water.

[0010] According to another aspect, a method of livestock watering comprises a) obtaining biologic-rich desalinated seawater, and b) watering livestock with the biologic-rich desalinated seawater. [001 1 ] According to another aspect, a method of livestock watering comprises a) obtaining seawater containing native biologies, b) desalinating the seawater while retaining at least a majority of the native biologies therein, to generate biologic-rich desalinated water, and c) watering livestock with the biologic-rich desalinated water.

[0012] According to another aspect, a use for desalinated seawater that has been desalinated by electrodialysis comprises watering livestock with the desalinated seawater.

[0013] In some examples, the seawater may further contain native divalent salts, and step b) may comprise retaining at least some of the divalent salts in the biologic-rich desalinated water.

[0014] In some examples, the biologies may comprise organic compounds. In some examples, the biologies may comprise living microorganisms.

[0015] In some examples, the method may further comprise filtering solids from the seawater prior to step b).

[0016] In some examples, the method may further comprise monitoring the biologic content of seawater.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for crop irrigation;

[0019] Figure 2 is a graph showing conductivity of seawater over time during electrodialysis; [0020] Figure 3A is a graph showing hardness and total dissolved solids of seawater over time during electrodialysis;

[0021 ] Figure 3B is a chart showing hardness of seawater over time during electrodialysis;

[0022] Figure 3C is a chart showing total dissolved solids of seawater over time during electrodialysis;

[0023] Figure 4 is a chart showing the content of seawater that underwent electrodialysis;

[0024] Figure 5 is a chart showing the makeup of the total dissolved solids remaining in seawater that underwent electrodialysis; and

[0025] Figure 6 is a chart showing refractometer Brix level reading test results before and after the fourth application of test water in strawberries;

[0026] Figure 7a is a chart showing refractometer Brix level reading test results before and after the fifth application of test water in strawberries, showing the results for samples 1 to 10;

[0027] Figure 7b is a chart showing refractometer Brix level reading test results before and after the fifth application of test water in strawberries, showing the results for samples 1 1 to 20;

[0028] Figure 8 is a photograph of the roots of a strawberry plant before and after the fourth application of test water (A), and at the same time in a control plant (B);

[0029] Figure 9 is a photograph of root measurements in a strawberry plant after the fourth application of test water (A), and at the same time in a control plant (B);

[0030] Figure 10 is a photograph of the roots of a strawberry plant after the fifth application of test water (A), and at the same time in a control plant (B); [0031 ] Figure 1 1 is a photograph of root measurements in a strawberry plant after the fifth application of test water;

[0032] Figure 12 is a photograph of a strawberry fruit from a plant after the fifth application of test water (A), and at the same time in a control plant (B);

[0033] Figure 13 shows the mineral content of the leaves of plants treated with test-water.

[0034] Figure 14 is a chart showing refractometer Brix level reading test results before and after foliar spray in cherries; and

[0035] Figure 15 is a chart showing refractometer Brix level reading test results before and after foliar spray in grapes;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any exclusive right granted by issuance of this patent application. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below and for which an exclusive right is not granted by issuance of this patent application may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

Definitions [0037] As used herein, the term 'agricultural water' refers to water used in agriculture, for example for livestock watering, or crop irrigation (e.g. by direct application to crops such as by foliar spray, or by application to soil for root drench).

[0038] As used herein, the term "seawater" refers to water taken from a sea or ocean, and having a salinity of at least 30 grams / litre, where the salinity refers to the total dissolved salt content (including sodium chloride as well as other salts).

[0039] As used herein, the term "biologies" refers to micro-organisms, cells, and products made by or extracted from organisms and/or cells. Examples of "biologies" include living or non-living microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa; living or non-living cells; as well as products made by or extracted from organisms, including organic compounds such as proteins, enzymes, and amino acids.

[0040] As used herein, the term "native biologies" refers to biologies that are naturally found in a particular location. For example, the phrase "seawater containing native biologies" refers to biologies that are found in-situ in seawater, as opposed to biologies that are added to the seawater after the seawater is mined.

[0041 ] As used herein, the term "desalination" refers to the partial or essentially full removal of sodium chloride from water. The term "desalinated water" refers to water which has been subjected to desalination. Accordingly, "desalinated water" may refer to water which contains essentially no sodium chloride (in the case of essentially full desalination), or to water which contains some sodium chloride, such as trace amounts of sodium chloride, or significant amounts of sodium chloride (in the case of partial desalination). Some desalination processes may additionally remove other ions from water, such as divalent ions, from water. [0042] As used herein, the term "biologic-rich desalinated water" refers to seawater which has been desalinated, without removing the majority of the native biologies therefrom. Biologic-rich desalinated water will contain a measurable amount of biologies, the total amount of which will depend on several factors, including the amount of biologies in the seawater prior to desalination. The amount of biologies may be measured, for example, by the total organic carbon content of the water. It is to be understood that minor or trace amounts of biologies may be removed by the desalination process; however the majority of the biologies in the seawater prior to desalination (i.e. greater than 50% by weight, and up to 100% by weight) will be retained in the desalinated water.

Description of Processes

[0043] As noted above, the term "seawater" refers to water taken from a sea or ocean, and having a salinity of more than 30 g/L. Seawater contains sodium and chloride as the predominant ions. However, seawater also contains significant amounts of other monovalent ions such as potassium, bicarbonate, and bromide, and divalent ions such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfate. Seawater also contains other trace ions such as fluoride, hydroxide, iron, manganese, nitrate, nitrite, phosphorus, and silicon. Seawater is also rich in native biologies, including microorganisms, cells, and organic compounds, as listed above. The exact content of seawater depends on a number of factors, including depth, location, and temperature, amongst other factors.

[0044] Seawater can be used to produce agricultural water. However, it is generally accepted that seawater must be purified prior to being used as agricultural water, as high amounts of salts can be toxic to crops and livestock, and biologies, particularly certain living microorganisms, can be harmful to crops and livestock. In order to make seawater suitable for use as agricultural water, the seawater is typically treated with reverse osmosis or distillation. These treatments purify the seawater by extracting the water from the sea water, leaving impurities behind as a reject stream. The impurities that are left behind by these processes include the dissolved salts, as well as the biologies. These treatments are often combined with other pre- and post-treatments.

[0045] Applicant has presently developed a process whereby seawater is desalinated without removing the majority of the native biologies, and then used as agricultural water. Contrary to what is accepted in the art, it is theorized that this water, referred to as "biologic-rich desalinated water", may be beneficial to plants and/or animals and/or to soil or other growing medium (e.g. hydroponic growing media). Particularly, it is theorized that the microorganisms in the seawater may be beneficial to crops and animals, by performing various functions such as but not limited to decomposing organic matter, enhancing drought tolerance, enhancing heat tolerance, and/or enhancing resistance to pests. Furthermore, it is theorized that the proteins, enzymes, amino acids, and other biologic products may act as a nutritional supplement for plants and/or livestock. It is therefore theorized that using biologic-rich desalinated water for crop irrigation and/or livestock watering may result in improved crop yields, improved crop quality (e.g. improved Brix values and ORAC values), improved soil tilth (e.g. improved microorganism content in the soil), and improved livestock health.

[0046] In general, the processes of the present application involve obtaining seawater that contains native biologies, subjecting the seawater to desalination while retaining the native biologies therein, to generate a biologic- rich desalinated water, and using the biologic-rich desalinated water as agricultural water. For example crops may be irrigated with the biologic rich desalinated water (e.g. by direct application to crops such as by foliar spray, or by application to soil for purposes of root drench), or livestock may be watered with the biologic rich desalinated water.

[0047] Furthermore, in some processes of the present application, the seawater is desalinated while retaining at least some of the other native salts (i.e. salts other than sodium chloride) therein. For example, trace or even significant amounts of divalent salts or other monovalent salts may remain in the desalinated water. It is theorized that these salts may act as a nutritional supplement and may be beneficial for plants and/or livestock and/or soil.

[0048] Referring now to Figure 1 , an example method 10 for crop irrigation is shown.

[0049] At step 100, seawater containing native biologies (also referred to herein as "seawater") is obtained. The seawater may be obtained from any suitable seawater source, such as but not limited to a coastal area, an inlet, a bay, a gulf, or the open sea or ocean. In some examples, the seawater may be obtained from a location that is high in native biologies in general, but low in certain specific biologies that are known to be harmful to plants and/or animals. For example, seawater taken from locations near urban areas may be high in e- coli bacteria, which may present a health risk for livestock. However, seawater taken from the open sea or from remotely populated coastal areas may be significantly lower in e-coli bacteria. Furthermore, in some examples, the seawater may be obtained from a location that is high in divalent ions, such as calcium and magnesium, which may be beneficial for plants and/or livestock.

[0050] At step 102, the seawater is tested to monitor the content thereof. By way of non-limiting example, the seawater may be tested to monitor any of the total content of biologies, the total bacterial content, the content of harmful bacteria (e.g. e-coli), the ion content, the pH, the salinity, the temperature, or any other desired parameter. In some examples, threshold values for certain parameters may be selected, and if the seawater does not meet the threshold values, then the water may not be used. For example, a threshold value for e-coli content may be set, and if the amount of e-coli in the water exceeds the threshold value, the water may not be used any further. For further example, a threshold range for total biologic content may be set, and if the biologic content of the seawater does not fall within the threshold range, then the water may not be used any further. [0051 ] In alternative examples, step 102 may be omitted, and the seawater may be used without a monitoring step. In further alternative examples, the monitoring step may be carried out after the below-described desalination step.

[0052] In some examples, the method may include a pre-treatment step 104. For example, the seawater may be filtered and/or diluted. Such pre- treatment steps are optional.

[0053] At step 106, the seawater is desalinated, while retaining at least a majority of the native biologies therein, to generate biologic-rich desalinated water. In some examples, in order to generate the biologic-rich desalinated water, the seawater may be subjected to electrodialysis (otherwise known as electrodialysis reversal). Electrodialysis is a known process by which low molecular weight dissolved ions move through an ion-exchange membrane under the influence of an applied electric potential difference. In electrodialysis, the ions are removed from the water stream, leaving behind the water and any other components in the water. Accordingly, while electrodialysis can be used to desalinate water, electrodialysis does not purify the water. This is in contrast to reverse osmosis and distillation, in which water is purified by removing the water from the impurities. As shown in the examples section below, electrodialysis can be used to desalinate seawater, while retaining the majority of the biologies, and even essentially all of the biologies, in the seawater (as measured by the total organic carbon content of the water). Electrodialysis can also retain some other ions in the water, such as divalent ions.

[0054] In some particular examples, electrodialysis may be carried out to fully desalinate the seawater (i.e. to remove all traces of sodium chloride from the water). In other examples, electrodialysis may be carried out to remove the vast majority of sodium chloride from the sea water. For example, up to 99% of the chloride ions, and up to 98% of the sodium ions may be removed from the seawater. In alternative examples, lesser amounts of sodium and chloride may be removed, depending on the desired salinity of the desalinated water.

[0055] In some particular examples, even when removing the vast majority of the sodium chloride from the seawater, essentially all of the biologies may be retained in the seawater, as the biologies will not be removed by the electrodialysis process, as shown in the examples section below. In alternative examples, some of the biologies may be removed, such as trace or minor amounts. For example some biologic products such as certain charged amino acids may pass through the membrane of the electrodialysis process. However, the majority of the biologies (i.e. greater than 50% by mass) will remain in the desalinated water, making the desalinated water "biologic-rich".

[0056] In some examples, other salts may be removed from the seawater, either fully or partially. For example, up to 99% of the bromide may be removed from the seawater, leaving behind only trace amounts of bromide. For further example, only 50% of the calcium may be removed from the seawater, leaving behind a significant amount of calcium in the seawater. Further details regarding specific ions and the extent to which they are removed are found in the examples section below.

[0057] In some examples, the electrodialysis step may be followed by a post-treatment step 108. For example, the seawater may be filtered and/or diluted subsequent to the electrodialysis step. For example, the seawater may be diluted in fresh water to less than 5 % by volume, for example to about 2% by volume, or to between 0.5% and 1 .5% by volume. Post-treatment steps are optional.

[0058] In some examples, the process does not include any active pre- or post-treatment steps that would substantially reduce the amount of biologies in the water. For example, the process may not include any disinfection steps, such as any physical, chemical, or thermal disinfection of the seawater. For further example, in any filtration steps, the filter may be selected so that cells and microorganisms may pass through the filter.

[0059] At step 1 10, the biologic-rich desalinated water may optionally be transported and/or stored. For example, the biologic-rich desalinated water may be trucked to a farm and stored for use on the farm.

[0060] At step 1 12, the biologic-rich desalinated water is used as agricultural water. For example, crops may be irrigated with the biologic-rich desalinated water. For further example, animals may be watered with the biologic-rich desalinated water.

Examples

EXAMPLE 1

[0061 ] Tests were performed by Saltworks Technologies (Vancouver, British Columbia). Seawater was obtained from Burrard Inlet, British Columbia, Canada. Electrodialysis was carried out using Saltworks Technologies' ElectroChem™ electrodialysis reversal process, in conjunction with their lonFlux™ membranes. Freshwater with 600 mg/L of NaCI was used as a salt acceptor. Various analytic tests were conducted on the inlet seawater and the outlet desalinated water.

[0062] Figure 2 shows the conductivity of the seawater over time in the electrodialysis module. The conductivity correlates to the salinity of the water. Figure 2 shows that the water was largely desalinated over time in the electrodialysis process.

[0063] Figures 3A to 3C show the removal of total dissolved solids from the seawater and the total hardness of the seawater over time in the electrodialysis module. The hardness correlates to the concentration of divalent cations in the water. Figures 3A to 3C show that divalent ions are removed from the water during desalination, but at a slower rate than monovalent ions. [0064] Figure 4 summarizes the content of the desalinated water after electrodialysis treatment. As seen in Figure 4, the vast majority of sodium and chlorine ions were removed from the water. However divalent ions remained in the water in a significant amount. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the total dissolved solids in the desalinated seawater consisted mostly of calcium, magnesium, and sulfate.

[0065] Notably, as seen in Figure 4, the total organic carbon in the treated water did not decrease (the slight increase is a result of experimental error), indicating that biologies are largely retained in the desalinated seawater.

[0066] While the above description provides examples of one or more processes or apparatuses, it will be appreciated that other processes or apparatuses may be within the scope of the accompanying claims.

EXAMPLE 2

[0067] The water obtained in example 1 was tested on an existing strawberry farm in Oxnard, California, USA. The farm consisted of 20 acres of strawberry plants that were not genetically modified. The soil on the farm varied from heavy clay to a very sandy soil.

Methods

[0068] All 20 acres of the farm received water via standard watering protocols, either by irrigation or with rain water. The following conventional inputs were used on all 20 acres of strawberries: Nutri-Smart, Humax, Synergizer, Phosguard, Agrothrive, N-Phuric and citric acid.

[0069] The water obtained in example 1 was diluted in fresh water to between 0.5% and 1 .5% by volume. The resulting product is referred to herein as "test water". The test water was used as a supplement to the standard watering on 2 out of the 20 acres of strawberries. The remaining 18 acres did not receive any test water, and were used as a control. [0070] The 2 acre trial area received 5 applications of the test water. In week 1 of the trial, 2 gallons per acre of test water were applied by drip irrigation (root drench) to the 2 acre trial area. The root drench was followed by foliar sprays of the same dilution, on approximately week 6 of the trial, week 10 of the trial, week 14 of the trial, and week 20 of the trial.

[0071 ] After the fourth and fifth applications, roots were measured and Brix readings were taken. After the fourth application, leaves were analyzed for mineral content.

Results

[0072] Figure 6 shows refractometer Brix level reading test results before and after the fourth application of the test water in strawberries grown in the trial area, and at the same time (i.e. after the 5^th application) in strawberries grown in the control area . Figures 7a and 7b show refractometer Brix level reading test results before and after the fifth application of the test water in strawberries grown in the trial area, and at the same time (i.e. after the 5^th application) in strawberries grown in the control area .

[0073] It was determined that the average Brix value in the control fruit after the fifth application was 1 1 .98. The average Brix value after the fifth application in the fruit treated with test-water was 17.18, which is a difference of 5.20 over the control.

[0074] It was determined that the average Brix value in the control leaves after the fifth application was 22.71 . The average Brix value after the fifth application in the fruit treated with test-water was 29.09, which is a difference of 6.38 over control.

[0075] When the largest three values and smallest three values of these sample Brix readings were removed from the data, the average Brix value for the control fruit was 1 1 .58, and for the test-water treated fruit was 16.64 This represents a change of 5.06, or a 31 % increase in Brix value over the control. [0076] Figure 8 is a photograph of the roots of a strawberry plant after the fourth application of the test water (A), and at the same time in a control plant (B). Figure 9 is a photograph of root measurements in a strawberry plant after the fourth application of the test water (A), and at the same time in a control plant (B). It can be seen that the test-water treated plants have a larger root mass than the control plants.

[0077] Figure 10 is a photograph of the roots of a strawberry plant after the fifth application of the test water (A), and at the same time in a control plant (B). Figure 1 1 is a photograph of root measurements in a strawberry plant after the fifth application of the test water. Figure 12 is a photograph of a strawberry fruit from a plant after the fifth application of test water (A), and at the same time in a control plant (B)

[0078] Figure 13 shows the mineral content of the control leaves, and of the leaves of plants treated with test-water. Figure 13 shows that the test-water treated plants had a higher mineralization than the control plants.

[0079] The farm operator reported that the amount of strawberries picked from the test-water treated plants represented a 25% increase in yield over the strawberries picked from the control plants.

[0080] It can be concluded that strawberry plants were receptive to and benfited from the test water at minimal application rates. After a minimal period of time, Brix measurements revealed superior development in the roots as well as the leaf and fruit where the test-water was applied.

[0081 ] Increased insect resistance and plant vitality were found with the use of the test-water, as shown by the increase in Brix value.

EXAMPLE 3 [0082] The water obtained in example 1 was tested on an existing bell pepper farm in Highsprings, Florida, USA The farm consisted of 150 acres of bell pepper plants. The soil on the farm varied from loam to sandy loam.

[0083] All 150 acres of the farm received water via standard watering protocols, either by irrigation or with rain water. Conventional products were used on all 150 acres; however inputs to a 2 acre test area were reduced by roughly 30%.

[0084] The water obtained in example 1 was diluted in fresh water to between 0.5% and 1 .5% by volume. The resulting product is referred to herein as "test water". The test water was used as a supplement on the 2 acre test area. The remaining 148 acres did not receive any test water, and were used as a control.

[0085] Over the 1 1 week trial, the 2 acre test area received 7 applications, using two gallons of test water per acre. Product applications were conducted every 1 .5 weeks.

[0086] At the end of the trial, the test area yielded equivalent results to the control area, in both quantity and quality of bell peppers at the time of harvest. However, the crops from the test area were ready for harvest 10 days earlier than the crops from the control area and hat higher brix ratings at that time.

EXAMPLE 4

[0087] The water obtained in example 1 was tested on a cherry orchard in Stockton, California, USA.

[0088] The water obtained in example 1 was diluted in fresh water to between 0.5% and 1 .5% by volume. The resulting product is referred to herein as "test water". The test water was used as a supplement on 10 of the cherry trees. The remaining trees did not receive any test water, and were used as a control. [0089] Over the trial, the 10 test trees received 3 applications, using two gallons of test water per acre. Product applications were conducted in the fall by root drench, in the winter by root drench, and in the spring by foliar application.

[0090] Brix value findings from random samples are shown in Figure 14. There was an average Brix value increase of 3, for a 33.22% increase over control.

EXAMPLE 5

[0091 ] The water obtained in example 1 was tested on a grape farm in Fowler, California, USA.

[0092] The water obtained in example 1 was diluted in fresh water to between 0.5% and 1 .5% by volume. The resulting product is referred to herein as "test water". The test water was used as a supplement on 9 acres of the grape crops. The remaining crops did not receive any test water, and were used as a control.

[0093] Over the trial, the test crops received 3 applications. Product applications were conducted in the fall by root drench using 1 gallon per acre, in the winter by root drench using 1 gallon per acre, and in the spring by foliar application using 2 gallons per acre.

[0094] Brix value findings from random samples are shown in Figure 1 5. There was an average Brix value increase of 4, for a 98% increase over control.

[0095] It was observed that the vines on the test-water treated crops were advancing in size and length more than the vines on the control crops.

[0096] It is noted that the control area was inadvertently given a root drench on the first of the 2 root drenches.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A method of crop irrigation, the method comprising:

a) obtaining seawater containing native biologies;

b) subjecting the seawater to electrodialysis to generate biologic-rich desalinated water; and

c) irrigating crops with the biologic-rich desalinated water.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the seawater further contains native divalent salts, and step b) comprises retaining at least some of the divalent salts in the biologic- rich desalinated water.

3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the biologies comprise organic compounds.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 3, wherein the biologies comprise living microorganisms.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising filtering solids from the seawater prior to step b)

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising monitoring the biologic content of at least one of the seawater and the biologic-rich desalinated water.

7. A method of crop irrigation, the method comprising:

a) obtaining biologic-rich desalinated seawater; and

b) irrigating crops with the biologic-rich desalinated seawater.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the biologic-rich desalinated seawater comprises native organic compounds.

9. The method of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the biologic-rich desalinated seawater comprises native living microorganisms.

10. The method of any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising monitoring the biologic content of the biologic-rich desalinated seawater prior to step b).

1 1 . A method of crop irrigation, the method comprising:

a) obtaining seawater containing native biologies;

b) desalinating the seawater while retaining at least a majority of the native biologies therein, to generate biologic-rich desalinated water;

c) irrigating crops with the biologic-rich desalinated water.

12. The method of claim 1 1 , wherein step b) comprises subjecting the seawater to electrodialysis.

13. The method of claim 1 1 or claim 12, wherein the seawater further contains native divalent salts, and step b) comprises retaining at least some of the divalent salts in the biologic-rich desalinated water.

14. The method of any one of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein the biologies comprise organic compounds.

15. The method of any one of claims 1 1 to 14, wherein the biologies comprise living microorganisms.

16. The method of any one of claims 1 1 to 15, wherein step b) comprises retaining at least a majority of the native biologies in the seawater.

17. The method of any one of claims 1 1 to 16, further comprising filtering solids from the seawater prior to step b)

18. The method of any one of claims 1 1 to 17, further comprising monitoring the biologic content of at least one of the seawater and the biologic-rich desalinated water

19. A use for desalinated seawater that has been desalinated by electrodialysis, the use comprising irrigating crops with the desalinated seawater.