Purpose of the Trial

This trial aimed to demonstrate the effects of nanoaeration of irrigation water using both air and oxygen on the Ridgeway sports field at St Stithians College. The Waboost Wacognis system was implemented to improve the oxygenation levels of irrigation water, and its impact was compared against the adjacent Main Field, which receives continuous fertilization and professional turf care for international sporting events.

Trial Setup

• Trial Field: Ridgeway Field (with nanoaerated water only)

• Reference Field: Main Field (conventional care: fertilization, professional maintenance)

• Water Source: Same for both fields

• Monitoring Parameters:

  • Water: temperature, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen

  • Soil: initial and post-trial composition analysis

  • Plant: health of roots, stems, and leaves, growth rate (visual and measurement-based)

  • Maintenance team feedback on turf health and performance

Implementation Details

• System Used: Waboost Wacognis GEA 10

• Start Date: January 2023

• Power Reliability: Operated under conditions of up to 10 hours/day of load shedding

• No Fertilizers or Additional Nutrients were applied to Ridgeway during the trial

Results and Observations

1. Growth Rate and Visual Health

• Ridgeway Field matched the growth rate of Main Field despite receiving no fertilizers.

• Grass reached the same accumulative growth (36 mm) by February 10.

• Visual inspections showed healthier and denser roots, stems, and leaves on Ridgeway.

2. Soil and Water Quality Improvements

• Dramatically higher dissolved oxygen levels in irrigation water enhanced soil respiration.

• Soil composition on Ridgeway improved significantly without artificial nutrient input.

3. Recovery and Resilience

• Soil wedge samples showed faster recovery on Ridgeway.

• The field tolerated frequent use and showed rapid healing, reducing maintenance needs.

Impact and Benefits

Operational and Financial

• Reduced Fertilizer Requirements: Nanoaerated water significantly enhanced nutrient absorption efficiency, minimizing the need for external nutrient dosing.

• Water Savings: Healthier roots led to more efficient water uptake, reducing irrigation frequency and water consumption.

• Lower Maintenance Costs: Faster recovery and greener turf resulted in less intervention and repair.

Environmental and Aesthetic

• Lower Environmental Impact: Eliminated need for artificial fertilizers and reduced runoff risks.

• Greener, Healthier Turf Year-Round: Maintained vibrant color and density even during dry winter months in Gauteng.

• Increased Field Usability: Field durability improved with stronger turf structure and less visible wear.

Conclusion

The Waboost Wacognis GEA 10 nanoaeration system transformed Ridgeway Field into a high-performance sports turf using only oxygen-enhanced water. Despite the lack of fertilizers, Ridgeway not only matched but in some aspects surpassed the performance of a professionally maintained reference field.

This case clearly demonstrates how oxygen nanobubble irrigation can reduce input costs, lower environmental impact, and deliver elite turf performance—even under adverse conditions like rolling blackouts.