Tyrvännön Marja ja Vihannes Oy is a company founded in 1995, currently cultivating strawberries and raspberries on approximately 8 hectares in tunnels at their home farm and in Lepaa. The cultivation operations are managed by founder Jussipekka Markkanen and his daughter Eeva, while the main owner Eino Markkanen handles leadership, sales, and marketing. The company discontinued open-field strawberry cultivation in 2022, and vegetables are no longer part of the production.
Tyrvännön Marja ja Vihannes was among the first companies in Finland to start tunnel cultivation of raspberries. Their goal is to operate efficiently and maximize the use of every square meter, which has led them to invest in solutions that enhance productivity.
The company can be considered a pioneer in many respects. Jussipekka, Eino, and Eeva regularly attend horticultural events across Europe and actively follow the latest industry news.
Why Did They Become Interested in Nanobubble Water?
– While visiting exhibitions in Europe, we came across nanobubbles and their effects on irrigation water, says Jussipekka. He has also read related news in publications like HortiDaily and followed the success of other companies using nanobubbles with great interest. – We were particularly interested in the technology because we wanted to improve the quality of our irrigation water. At our home farm, the water is sourced from a man-made reservoir, and its oxygen level has been as low as 2–3 mg/l, while the target is at least 11 mg/l. We made this investment with the goal of significantly reducing the risks caused by plant diseases, Jussipekka
A Successful Investment
Founder Jussipekka Markkanen is pleased with the growth results achieved using oxygen nanobubble water.
Effects on Plant Wellbeing and Yield
One of the most notable observations during the growing season was the significant reduction in leaf edge burn. – Leaf edge burn, caused by calcium deficiency, is typical for our most cultivated strawberry variety, Favori. This year, its occurrence was much lower, which was also evident in the plant analyses we conduct every other week during the season. When the root system is healthy, calcium transport improves, Jussipekka describes.
Another nutrient-related observation was that certain micronutrient supplements were unusually unnecessary this year.
Despite varying weather conditions, plant diseases remained under control throughout the season. For example, powdery mildew appeared only at the very end of the season, and no root diseases were observed in strawberries.
– In raspberries, some root disease caused by Phytophthora was detected, but this was due to the plant material. Even then, the situation was not entirely lost – perhaps nanobubbles helped there too, Jussipekka reflects.
It was also observed that the average size and yield of strawberries were higher. – We always calculate our investments carefully, and even a 2% increase in yield is enough to cover the cost of the nanobubble device. Based on the first summer’s experience, we can say the investment was successful, Jussipekka states.
Things to Consider for Those Thinking About Investing in Nanobubbles
Tyrvännön Marja ja Vihannes chose a domestic supplier for their nanobubble device. – “It was important for us that the equipment is easy to maintain and that we can get service support from Finland if needed. I also recommend adding a DO sensor to the system, which allows for more precise control of oxygen levels in the intermediate tank,” says Jussipekka.
It’s good to remember that while oxygen enrichment in irrigation water has shown positive results, it cannot fix fundamental cultivation errors. Cultivation skills cannot be emphasized enough. Nanobubbles can improve existing conditions, but if other aspects are not in order, they cannot magically make things better. – If the farm’s cultivation techniques are otherwise solid, oxygen fertilization can further enhance production efficiency, Jussipekka concludes.
Text and photos: Eija Lankinen
With the Finnish EOD oxygen nanobubble solution, irrigation water gains properties that promote plant wellbeing. The solution strengthens plants’ natural defenses and reduces the need for pesticides – protecting soil and waterways from unnecessary chemical loads. At the same time, cultivation profitability improves as yield and quality increase significantly.
