The completed NABLE - Enhancing Agricultural Production with Nanobubbles project aimed to increase the productivity, efficiency and sustainability of primary agricultural production by injecting nano-sized oxygen gas bubbles into irrigation water. The completed video gives a comprehensive presentation of the different phases of the project and the impact of nanobubble technology from the perspective of the different partners.
The effects of nanobubbles were studied in collaboration with primary producers and, as experience and research results were gained, the development of oxygen nanobubble technology was promoted. The project was financed by the EAFRD and involved the Research Centre WANDER of Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, EOD Oy, Robbe's Lilla Trädgård Ab, Nonre Oy and Agrifutura Tomatit Oy.
During the three-year project (2022-2024), the following observations were made on the effects of oxygen bubble irrigation:
- 10-20% more efficient nutrient transfer to plants
- 10 to 15% better strawberry yields, less wastage
- Better retention of nutrients in the growing medium
- Improved stress tolerance of plants, e.g. in over-watering situations
- More uniform crop size
- No effect on product flavour observed with oxygen bubbles
- A positive change in the microbiome of the rootstock was observed compared to conventional irrigation.