Purpose of the Trial

This trial aimed to evaluate the impact of nanoaerated irrigation water—infused with air and pure oxygen—on turf performance at Ridgeway Field, St Stithians College, Johannesburg. The Waboost Wacognis GEA 10 system was deployed to enhance dissolved oxygen levels in the irrigation water. The performance of Ridgeway Field was compared to the adjacent Main Field, which receives continuous fertilization and professional turf care in preparation for international sporting events.

Trial Setup

• Location: St Stithians College, Johannesburg, South Africa

• Trial Field: Ridgeway Field (oxygen nanobubble irrigation only)

• Reference Field: Main Field (conventional fertilization and professional maintenance)

• Water Source: Shared between both fields

• Technology Used: Waboost Wacognis GEA 10 nanoaeration system

• Start Date: January 2023

• Power Conditions: Operated during up to 10 hours/day of load shedding

• Fertilizer Use: None on Ridgeway Field during trial

Monitoring Parameters

• Water Quality:

  • Temperature

  • pH

  • Conductivity

  • Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

  • Dissolved Oxygen

• Soil Composition:

  • Baseline and post-trial comparative analysis

• Plant Health Indicators:

  • Root, stem, and leaf vitality

  • Visual inspections and measured growth rate

• Qualitative Feedback:

  • Turf management team observations and maintenance input

Key Results and Observations

1. Plant Growth and Health

• Ridgeway Field achieved identical cumulative grass growth (36 mm by February 10) as the Main Field, despite receiving no fertilizers.

• Visual and structural assessments showed Ridgeway had denser, healthier roots and foliage, indicating improved nutrient uptake efficiency and plant vigor.

2. Soil and Water Quality

• Nanoaeration significantly elevated dissolved oxygen in irrigation water, enhancing soil respiration and microbial activity.

• Soil composition on Ridgeway improved without artificial nutrient input, suggesting natural nutrient cycling was stimulated.

3. Recovery and Resilience

• Soil wedge sampling and field wear analysis showed faster recovery and healing on Ridgeway.

• The field withstood frequent use better than expected, requiring fewer maintenance interventions.

Impact and Benefits

Operational and Financial

• Fertilizer Reduction: Eliminated need for synthetic nutrients while maintaining elite turf quality.

• Water Efficiency: Enhanced root systems allowed for reduced irrigation frequency, lowering water consumption.

• Lower Maintenance Costs: Improved recovery translated to fewer repairs and replanting cycles.

Environmental and Aesthetic

• Sustainable Practices: Avoided fertilizer runoff and associated environmental risks.

• Year-Round Green Turf: Maintained vibrant color and density, even through Gauteng’s dry winter months.

• Extended Field Use: Stronger turf structure enabled greater usability with less visible wear.

Conclusion

The trial at St Stithians College conclusively demonstrated that nanoaerated irrigation using the Waboost Wacognis GEA 10 system can deliver elite-level sports turf performance without fertilizers or added nutrients. Ridgeway Field matched—and in some areas outperformed—the Main Field, traditionally maintained with professional care and synthetic inputs.

This case highlights the power of oxygen nanobubble irrigation in reducing operational costs, improving environmental sustainability, and delivering exceptional turf quality—even under challenging conditions such as load shedding. It offers a scalable, eco-conscious solution for sports facilities seeking to modernize their turf management practices.