As dairy farmers gear up for another hot summer, concerns about drying winds, water rights limitations, and pasture health are top of mind. In regions like Canterbury, New Zealand, where the infamous Nor'Wester winds can dry out pasture and put severe strain on irrigation management, having the right technology in place is critical to maintaining production.
At Nanobubble Agritech, we understand the challenges farmers face during these dry months, and our nanobubble technology is specifically designed to help dairy farms thrive, even in the most challenging conditions. Henderson Farms, based in Canterbury, turned to nanobubbles to combat these exact issues, and the results were nothing short of impressive.
The Challenge: Drought, Dry Winds, and Water Scarcity
For dairy farmers, the combination of hot summer temperatures, drying winds, and the increasing unpredictability of water availability creates a serious threat to productivity. The Nor'Wester, in particular, acts like a blow dryer over the land, rapidly depleting soil moisture and damaging pasture growth. This damage can be felt for months after the summer season, with paddocks taking a long time to recover to pre-summer production levels.

Dry summer conditions can have a devastating and prolonged impact on pasture production
Irrigation systems often can’t keep up during this period, with farmers facing high water usage costs and reduced pasture yield. For Henderson Farms, a new solution was necessary to ensure they could maintain optimum soil moisture and healthy pastures during these periods of high wind and high evapotranspiration.
Nanobubble Technology: A Solution for Dairy Farmers
Nanobubble technology offers a game-changing solution for dairy farmers facing dry conditions and water scarcity. By introducing oxygen nanobubbles into existing irrigation systems, this technology helps improve water efficiency, boost pasture growth, and protect soil health during drought conditions.
How It Works:
Nanobubbles are microscopic bubbles that stay suspended in water for longer, delivering a constant supply of dissolved oxygen to the soil. This increased oxygenation in the root zone:
Promotes stronger root systems, which helps plants take up more nutrients and moisture.
Improves soil structure, allowing water to penetrate deeper into the soil, reducing surface evaporation.
Enhances the resilience of pasture to dry conditions and heat stress, helping farmers maintain healthy, productive land even during dry spells.
Trials undertaken in partnership with Massey University demonstrated Nanobubble Agritech systems’ ability to deliver remarkable improvements in water use efficiency. With four pasture cuts taken over two different soil types, oxygen nanobubble water plots consistently delivered higher yields when irrigating in deficit than control water plots with optimal irrigation. This has game-changing implications for farmers, who now have a genuine tool in their belt to better manage limited water availability and maintain production levels in dry conditions.

Massey University x Nanobubble Agritech water use efficiency trial results
In addition to the nanobubbles themselves, Nanobubble Agritech retrofitted systems utilise mobile dripline, which places water directly on the ground, and dramatically reduces the evaporative wind, plant and soil losses that usually result from pivot sprinklers. This, when combined with the power of oxygen nanobubbles, has a double whammy impact on limiting the impact of hot, dry conditions and strong winds.
With Nanobubble Agritech systems, water is used more efficiently, meaning farmers can reduce their water usage while still keeping their pasture green and productive.
Case Study: Henderson Farms Tackles the Nor'Wester
Henderson Farms, located in Oxford, Canterbury, faced the challenge of managing pasture growth through dry summers and the drying effects of the Nor'Wester winds. These tricky growing conditions were amplified due to the farms lighter soils and limits to available water rights. Water allocation was often tight in drier years when the existing bores struggled for pressure as the season wore on and water tables dropped, meaning that pivots had to be cycled. This took a toll on production systems, with inadequate irrigation to maintain optimal pasture growth.
By retrofitting their pivot irrigation system with nanobubble technology, Henderson Farms saw immediate benefits:
25-30% increase in dry matter yield: Nanobubbles enhanced soil oxygen levels, promoting healthier pasture growth.
15-20% reduction in water usage: the Nanobubble Agritech pivot ran 3 out of every 4 days, compared with the other pivots on farm that were run 24/7 to maintain optimum soil moisture levels and plant health. The reason for this incredible improvement in water use efficiency is twofold: both the plant and soil response to the oxygen nanobubbles themselves; and, the significant reduction in evaporative losses as a result of the mobile dripline technology that is retrofitted as part of the Nanobubble Agritech system.
Improved pasture quality: Pasture was more resilient, with stronger root structures and greater resistance to stress. This translates to faster pasture recovery following stress events, limiting any ongoing productivity losses.
These results not only helped Henderson Farms manage the immediate challenges of the summer but also contributed to long-term soil and pasture health, allowing them to grow more with less.
Preparing for Summer: Insure Your Farm Against Dry Conditions
As we approach the summer months, dairy farmers are already preparing for what could be another season of dry winds and water shortages. With nanobubble technology, you can take proactive steps to insure your farm against the damaging effects of dry conditions and reduce the strain on your water supply.
At Nanobubble Agritech, we offer custom solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing irrigation system, helping you optimise water use, improve pasture yield, and protect your farm from the impacts of drought and wind.
Get Started with Nanobubble Technology Today
If you’re a dairy farmer concerned about the impact of dry conditions this summer, it’s time to explore how nanobubble technology can help. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how you can protect your pasture, improve yields, and reduce water usage with this cutting-edge solution.
Explore our website to learn more about nanobubble technology and how it can benefit your farm.
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your farm’s unique challenges and how we can help.
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