"In marigolds, the use of this low cost technology resulted in a 21% increase in bud and flower development", says Roy Weller of Aquapulse water technology, an irrigation technology that employs nano and micro bubble systems to modify water properties. What sets it apart is its ability to operate without external power, and is a formula of Feldspar minerals, which are activated upon contact with water. On top of that, this technology is natural, chemical-free, and certified organic by the UK Soil Association and it can be installed quickly with no maintenance requirements. Aquapulse is used across various sectors, including grown produce, where it has shown positive results for plant growth in several crops. Ongoing research aims to expand its application to a broader range of crops in the future.
© Aquapulse
How does it work?
Weller: "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."
Effects on grown produce
Initial trials of Aquapulse-treated water showed positive effects on several plant species, including tomatoes, lamb's lettuce, and marigolds, when irrigated with Aquapulse treated water versus those irrigated in untreated water:
Marigold: 21% increase in flower and bud development, 29% greater fresh weigh, and greater white root development.
Tomato: 56% increase in dry weight
Capsicum: 26% increase in fruit weight
Maize: 8% increase in root area
Lamb's Lettuce: 16% increase in dry weight, 39% increase in fresh weight
Strawberry: 13.9% increase in final crop yield
"These trials revealed increased root development and larger plant sizes. Following these findings, more extensive trials were conducted by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) on crops such as dwarf beans, maize, and capsicum. And also here, a number of statistically significant findings were apparent in plants irrigated with Aquapulse treated water versus those irrigated in untreated water." Results vary between different crop families.
© Aquapulse
© Aquapulse
© Aquapulse
Next Steps
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, identifying economic benefits in high-value crops, and optimisomg the application of Aquapulse in a farming environment."
In conclusion, while Aquapulse's nano and micro bubble technology has shown promise in enhancing plant growth and improving agricultural practices, ongoing research is focused on maximizing its potential and expanding its use across a broader range of crops.
For more information
Roy Weller
Aquapulse
roy.weller@aquapulse.tech
www.aquapulse.technology