Nano Bubble Technology Applications for Controlled Environment Agricultural Irrigation Systems.

Commodities

• Agronomic: grass (misc. annual)
• Additional Plants: native plants, ornamentals, other

Practices

• Crop Production: greenhouses, irrigation, nutrient management, water management
• Education and Training: demonstration, farmer to farmer, on-farm/ranch research
• Production Systems: other
• Sustainable Communities: sustainability measures

Greenhouse growers are grappling with unique challenges brought on by the effects of changing environmental conditions. Prolonged heatwaves have intensified greenhouse conditions resulting in the degradation of plant quality, disruptions in production and shipping, increased proliferation of biofilm, algal growth, and plant diseases – all resulting in lost profitability for these farmers. To mitigate these impacts, greenhouse growers are actively exploring emerging technologies to enhance their sustainability and environmental stewardship.  Nano bubble technology has emerged as a promising and environmentally sensible method to improve greenhouse irrigation water quality.  This technology, in theory, hyper oxygenates irrigation water to enhance root mass, reduce biofilm and algae, lessen plant pathogens, and curb the consumption of water, fertilizers, and chemicals.  In partnership with our technical advisor, The University of Connecticut, and our key cooperator, The Connecticut Greenhouse Growers Association, Winterberry Gardens will conduct a two-year trial to assess the effectiveness of a nano bubble generator from Moleaer.  This trial will compare the results of multiple ornamental plant production cycles side-by-side to validate the manufacturer’s claims touting enhanced root mass, biofilm, pathogens, and conservation efficiency, which are based on a very limited number of case studies for greenhouse ornamental plants.

Winterberry Gardens, in collaboration with the Connecticut Greenhouse Growers Association, will share the trial results publicly through its website, social media channels, and direct mail.  Throughout the trial, growers, industry stakeholders, and UConn Extension will be engaged through site visits and educational workshops, fostering a broad exchange of insights and data across the industry.

The objective of this project is to trial a nano bubble generator at Winterberry Gardens in Southington, CT, to validate or disprove the manufacturer’s claims relating to significant enhancements to irrigation water quality.  Specifically, we will determine whether this technology, which produces highly dissolved oxygen (via stabilized bubbles at 100 nanometers in size) can:  1) increase the root mass of ornamental plants, 2) reduce biofilm and algae in water distribution systems, emitters, and ebb and flow benches, 3) reduce common greenhouse pathogens such as Pythium and Phytophthora, and 4) curb the consumption of water, fertilizer, and sanitizing chemicals.

Currently, no published case studies of the Moleaer nano bubble generator provide quantitative data on the percentage increase in root mass or reductions in our target outcomes for greenhouse ornamental plants.  We surmise that this absence of data may stem from the many variables that affect each case study – geography, climate, greenhouse type, irrigation system type, crop type, etc.   

By partnering with the Univeristy of Connecticut as our technical advisor, we will develop a validated case study that quantifies the percentage increases or decreases for each target stated in our main objective - in side-by-side comparison and over baseline data - in typical ornamental greenhouse crops* in the Northeastern region. 

To support decision-making within the greenhouse industry, it is crucial for greenhouse growers to base their evaluation on clear data and best practice information.  The findings from this trial at Winterberry Gardens will be shared industry-wide to help growers assess the value of nano bubble technology as a potential capital investment for their operations.

*Typical greenhouse ornamental crops include such cultivars as summer annuals - geraniums, petunias, patio pots, annual grasses, etc.