The benefits to plant growth and health of an aerobic growing environment have long been established. Most growers are well aware that more oxygen in the soil or growing substrate translates to better yields, growth rates and plant health, with less disease.
Many growers may have tried mechanical and other aeration methods in the past, in an attempt to improve the oxygen levels in irrigation and enhance soil aeration, only to be disappointed with minimal impact and limited success.
Nanobubbles are a cutting edge method of gas to liquid transfer, with very particular physical properties that are resulting in game-changing success for growers all over the world. This method is revolutionising oxygenation for irrigation systems; for the first time, farmers are able to genuinely, significantly increase oxygen levels in irrigation, as a tool to improve soil health and crop performance.
What Are Nanobubbles?
Nanobubbles are tiny gas-filled bubbles that measure less than 200 nanometers in diameter. Discovered relatively recently, their small size means they possess unique properties that distinguish them from larger bubbles. Notably, nanobubbles remain suspended in water for extended periods, providing a consistent source of oxygen to plants without the rapid rise and dissolution typical of larger bubbles.
Why Nanobubbles Are a Game Changer For Crop Performance
Enhanced Dissolution: Nanobubbles dissolve oxygen in water more effectively than conventional methods. This increased solubility means plants receive a steady supply of oxygen, essential for respiration and nutrient uptake.
Longer Retention Time: Unlike larger bubbles that quickly escape to the surface, nanobubbles stay suspended in the water. This prolongs their availability to plants, ensuring they have access to oxygen even in variable irrigation conditions.
Reduced Algae Growth: The introduction of nanobubbles can help mitigate algae blooms in irrigation systems. By keeping dissolved oxygen levels stable, they create an environment that discourages excessive algae growth, leading to healthier water for crops.
Improved Soil Microbial Activity: Healthy soil is crucial for plant growth, and nanobubbles enhance microbial activity in the soil. This stimulation improves nutrient cycling and enhances the soil’s ability to support plant health.
Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial investment in nanobubble technology can seem high for some grower operations, the long-term benefits usually outweigh the costs and systems have a fast payback period. Not to mention, nanobubbles are a production tool requiring no additional chemical or labour input.
How Nanobubbles Compare to Other Oxygenation Methods
The main benefit of nanobubbles vs traditional oxygenation methods is the significantly increased volume of oxygen now able to be held in water for extended periods of time. Traditional forms of aeration can increase dissolved oxygen (DO) levels up to around 10 milligrams O2 per litre (water's 'natural limit' for oxygen-holding capacity). Nanobubble Agritech technology forces water to hold and retain up to three times this, reaching up to 35 milligrams O2 per litre. Quite simply, higher DO levels = greater plant and soil benefits.
However, there are other factors that contribute to nanobubble technology's superiority as a gas to liquid transfer method. Traditional methods of oxygenating irrigation water include mechanical, chemical and natural aeration, each with their own limitations:
1. Mechanical Aeration
Mechanical aeration methods, such as pumps or diffusers, introduce air into the water. While they can increase DO levels a little, notable drawbacks include:
Inefficiency: Studies have shown that mechanical aeration often results in uneven oxygen distribution, leading to inconsistent growth among plants. For instance, research demonstrated minimal improvements in crop health and yield when using traditional mechanical aeration methods compared to systems incorporating nanobubbles.
Short retention time: Mechanical methods produce larger bubbles that rise and exit water quickly, resulting in low and inconsistent oxygenation levels. In contrast, nanobubble technology provides a more uniform and stable oxygen supply, ensuring plants thrive even under less-than-ideal conditions.
Energy and Labor Costs: These systems are energy-intensive and require ongoing maintenance, adding to the operational costs for farmers.
In contrast, nanobubble systems provide both significantly higher volume DO, and a more uniform and stable oxygen supply, ensuring all plants benefit equally from enhanced oxygenation.
2. Chemical Oxygenation (Hydrogen Peroxide and Ozone)
Chemical methods such as hydrogen peroxide and ozone can increase dissolved oxygen but come with significant limitations:
Toxicity Risks: These chemicals can be harmful to plants if misapplied, potentially leading to detrimental effects on crop health.
Temporary Solutions: The oxygen provided by these chemicals is often short-lived, requiring frequent reapplication, which can be costly and labor-intensive.
Limited Evidence of Efficacy: Studies have shown that crops irrigated with chemically oxygenated water often do not exhibit the same level of growth and health improvements as those treated with nanobubbles.
In contrast, nanobubbles provide a safe, sustainable, and continuous oxygenation solution that minimizes risks and enhances plant vitality.
3. Natural Aeration Methods
Natural aeration methods, like wind or wave action, rely on environmental factors to increase oxygen levels. However, these methods can be highly unpredictable and yield limited and inconsistent results. Research indicates that plants relying on natural aeration often demonstrate minimal growth advantages.
Nanobubble technology offers a controlled and reliable method of oxygenation that ensures plants receive high levels of oxygen, regardless of changing environmental conditions.
All splash, no cash: outdated, mechanical methods of oxygenation fail to deliver genuine grower benefits
Real-World Applications
Numerous studies and real-world applications have demonstrated time and again the effectiveness of nanobubble technology in agriculture, horticulture, hydroponics and turf growing. Research from multiple independent institutions show significant increases in crop yields when nanobubbles are integrated into irrigation systems. Farmers utilizing this technology report not only enhanced growth rates but also improved fruit quality indicators and resilience against pests and diseases. Nanobubble Agritech have a range of case studies (both independent peer-reviewed academic studies, and those from our own trials) available for interested growers, on request.
Conclusion
By maximizing oxygen availability to plants and improving water quality, nanobubbles are a revolutionary new technology for healthier crops and sustainable farming practices. For farmers looking to enhance their yields, improve soil health, and improve water-use efficiency, embracing this innovative technology could be the key to unlocking their crops’ full potential.
Want to learn more?
There's so much more to discover!
To read case studies and success stories from growers who have adopted nanobubble technology in agriculture and horticulture, click here.
To see whether your farm or orchard could be a good fit for a Nanobubble Agritech system, take our quick quiz here:
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