Why Clogging is Such a Big Deal
Clogging happens in three main ways:
Physical clogging – caused by sand, silt, clay, or organic matter.
Chemical clogging – caused by salts and minerals like calcium and magnesium that precipitate inside emitters, especially when using saline water or fertilizers.
Biological clogging – caused by algae, fungi, or bacteria forming sticky biofilms, especially when using reclaimed wastewater.
Traditional solutions—filtration, flushing, acid washes, and chlorine treatments—help, but they’re costly, labor-intensive, and often only temporary fixes.
How Nanobubbles Work
Nanobubbles are incredibly small gas bubbles (less than 200 nm). Unlike normal bubbles that float to the surface and pop, nanobubbles stay suspended in water for long periods, carrying oxygen and changing the chemistry of the irrigation water.
Think of them as “cleaning agents” that:
Reduce friction inside pipes and keep particles moving (physical solution).
Prevent minerals from binding together and forming blockages (chemical solution).
Suppress harmful bacteria and biofilms by boosting dissolved oxygen (biological solution).
This is why nanobubbles are called a triple-action solution—they fight clogging from three different angles.
Real Benefits for Farmers
The review highlights several big advantages of nanobubbles in drip irrigation:
Improved system performance: they keep water flowing more evenly, reducing the risk of sudden blockages.
Better crop growth: More oxygen at the root zone boosts nutrient uptake, enzyme activity, and soil health. For example, maize yields increased by 29–41% in trials.
Higher water efficiency: Studies show a 20–22% improvement in water use efficiency without reducing yields.
Environmental gains: Less fertilizer use (up to 25% savings), lower methane emissions, and healthier soils.
Although nanobubble generators require upfront investment, many farmers can recover this investment thanks to higher yields, reduced maintenance, and more efficient water use.
Final Thoughts
Clogging has long been the Achilles’ heel of drip irrigation. By combining physical cleaning, chemical prevention, and biological control, nanobubble technology could finally provide a lasting solution.
For farmers facing rising costs, water scarcity, and climate challenges, this innovation doesn’t just keep the drip system running—it helps secure higher yields, save water, and farm more sustainably.
Also don't miss our case study in one of Slovenia's biggest tomato growers Lušt where generators were installed in main water lines to treat all irrigation water.
