Nanobubbles have been shown to benefit crops by improving plant health, increasing nutrient absorption, and boosting overall productivity. Oxygen dissolved in water plays a vital role in maintaining root zone health, preventing anaerobic conditions that can lead to root diseases and hinder plant growth. By utilizing nanobubbles, growers can efficiently introduce oxygen into irrigation water, creating an optimal environment that supports stronger root systems, better nutrient uptake, and improved plant development.
Effects of nanobubbles
Such technology has been implemented into irrigation systems thanks to Aquapulse. "This low-cost technology enhances plant growth, nutrient uptake, and overall crop productivity," says Roy Weller from Aquapulse Water Technology. As is tradition, vegetable horticulture solutions have, over the years, made their way into cannabis, and the same applies to nanobubbles. "Aquapulse is used across various sectors, including grown produce, where it has shown positive results for plant growth in several crops, including tomatoes, capsicum, lamb's lettuce, marigolds, dwarf beans, and maize," Roy explains.
© Aquapulse
Nanobubbles' tiny size allows them to stay suspended in water longer, increasing oxygen levels and promoting stronger root systems. They also improve nutrient solubility, leading to better absorption and higher yields. By breaking up compacted soil, nanobubbles enhance water infiltration and efficiency, reducing runoff and irrigation costs. Additionally, their potential antimicrobial properties could help control pathogens, contributing to healthier crops with reduced chemical inputs. "The Aquapulse difference, however, is quite significant compared to other nanobubble solutions," Roy points out. "First of all, Aquapulse is a natural technology that uses feldspar minerals contained in a food-grade stainless steel cartridge.
Trials
An independent paper by Dr. Hugh Martin, formerly head of the Agriculture Department at the Royal Agricultural University, examined the properties and characteristics of Aquapulse. Initial trials showed positive results, such as increased root development and plant size, in a variety of species, including tomatoes, lamb's lettuce, and marigolds." Similar effects, according to Roy, have been observed in cannabis. After the first positive results, further trials at the National Institute for Agricultural Botany provided better insights into the benefits of nanobubbles.
© Aquapulse
A number of statistically significant findings were observed in plants irrigated with Aquapulse-treated water versus those irrigated with untreated water. "The main results in crops showed increased fruit yield and root area, as well as earlier flowering in capsicum. An increase in root area was also seen in maize," Roy remarks. But how does Aquapulse actually work? "Aquapulse generates nano and micro bubbles (NMBs) in water. These bubbles are much smaller than a grain of salt - around 2,500 times smaller - and range from the size of a virus to a bacterium. NMBs have unique properties that alter the characteristics of water. They are stable, carry a negative electrical charge, and attract positively charged particles in the water, which can affect how the water interacts with plants. It can be installed quickly, as the cartridge can be simply immersed to treat water."
According to Weller, additional scientific evaluation is required to further understand the exact mechanism of Aquapulse-treated water on plants. "This will focus on physiological and morphological impacts on plants and the mechanisms at play. The work will focus on identifying specific species that Aquapulse has the greatest impact on, determining economic benefits in high-value crops, and optimizing the application of Aquapulse in a farming environment."
For more information
Roy Weller
Aquapulse
roy.weller@aquapulse.tech
www.aquapulse.technology