Nano Bubble Technology Applications for Controlled Environment Agricultural Irrigation Systems.

Controlled environment agriculture [“CEA”] is not immune to the impacts of climate change.  To the contrary, extreme weather events driven by climate change - such as prolonged heat waves - have dramatically increased greenhouse plant stress, resulting in poor yields, extended production cycles, and stunted plants.  Climatic stressors such as rising greenhouse temperatures disrupt plant transpiration and respiration, fosters dehydration, proliferates the growth of harmful biofilm and algae in water distribution systems, and impedes photosynthetic productivity.  These factors contribute to crop losses, diminished plant quality, and logistical challenges in shipping.  Commercial greenhouse growers must adhere to strict production standards set by their big-box wholesale customers and thus, face significant financial risks when stressed plants are rejected upon delivery, undermining both profit and customer trust. 

In light of these climate-related challenges, greenhouse growers are constantly exploring innovative technologies to improve irrigation water quality, shorten crop cycles, reduce chemical, fertilizer, and water usage, enhance plant vigor and resilience to environmental stress – all with the goals of improving the profitability and sustainability of their greenhouse operations.

Nano bubble technology has emerged as a potential solution to address climate change, environmental challenges, and energy reduction.¹  Nano bubble technology has recently gained traction in the greenhouse industry, thanks to Moleaer, of Hawthorne, California.   Simply, a nano bubble generator infuses irrigation water with high levels of dissolved oxygen by producing microscopic bubbles.  The nano bubbles are 100 nanometers in size, which is roughly 2,500 times smaller than a grain of salt.  These nano bubbles are encapsulated in a charged membrane, preventing them from off-gassing during storage or use.

According to Moleaer, nano bubbles can remain stable in irrigation storage tanks for weeks.  Nano bubbles also do not rise to the surface due to mathematical factors of buoyancy and Brownian motion, which keeps them suspended in a random motion in their microscopic environment.²

Moleaer’s independent case studies demonstrate that oxygen rich irrigation water can sustainably improve crop production across various agricultural settings.  Their findings suggest enhanced nutrient uptake, reduced pathogen presence (including common greenhouse threats such as nemeses Pythium and Phytophthora), reduced biofilm and algae buildup, and reduced crop loss due to plant stress.  Moleaer also reports that nano bubble technology can shorten crop cycles and improve the shipping quality of plants – directly benefiting farmers by increasing profitability.  One case study undertaken by Moleaer was at Harster Greenhouses in Ontario, Canada, which ran a trial on African Violets.  The results of this study showed increased dissolved oxygen levels even under high temperatures, a reduction in fertilizer usage, and healthier root systems.³  Another case study was conducted by Moleaer at Klondike Gardens of Berkel en Roderrijs, Netherlands, with Gerbera plants.  This study demonstrated fewer plant losses from pathogens, cleaner irrigation water, and improved plant vigor.⁴

The challenges of greenhouse plant production are global, especially in the face of rising temperatures and their impact upon the greenhouse environment and irrigation and water storage systems.  This proposed study aims to validate the claims of the manufacturer, Moleaer, and its case studies, by testing nano bubble technology as an environmentally responsible solution for improving ornamental plant production in greenhouses.  This study will evaluate whether this technology can improve root mass, shorten crop cycles, curb biofilm and pathogens, and reduce usage of chemicals, caustic sanitizers, fertilizers and water.

A reduction in chemical use would lessen greenhouse production's environmental impact by effecting a decline of leachate into surrounding soils and water bodies, and it will also improve farmer and employee health by reducing exposure to hazardous substances, contributing to a better quality of life for all greenhouse staff.

This trial will be conducted at Winterberry Gardens in the Northeastern United States, using a dual irrigation system for one greenhouse containing ornamental crops.   One irrigation storage tank will be the test tank containing a nano bubble generator and the control tank will hold untreated irrigation water.  Greenhouse crop production at Winterberry Gardens will be monitored for a period of up to two years by University of Connecticut [“UConn”] extension specialists, to assess this technology as an effective tool for greenhouse grower.  Further, UConn will validate the claims put forth by the manufacturer, Moleaer, as its case studies in other parts of the world suggest increased farmer profitability through reduced crop loss, improved shipping logistics, healthier greenhouse plants, less incidences of plant pathogens and biofilm, and reduced usage of water, fertilizer, and other chemicals. 

Our trial study, including its methods, goals, and evaluations, directly addresses Northeast SARE’s outcome statements relating to:  1) reduction of environmental and/or health risks in agriculture, 2) improved productivity, reduction of costs and/or increase of net farm income, and 3) conservation of soil, improvement of water quality, and protection of natural resources.  All of the existing case studies put forth by Moleaer address these three aspects and our study with UConn as the validating authority, will determine the extent to which each of these aspects can be met in Northeast greenhouse agriculture.

The findings of UConn, a land grant university, will be published and distributed throughout the green industry providing valuable insights and actionable data for other growers to cogitate when considering similar capital investments in their greenhouse operations.